syms x - Not enough input arguments.

>> syms x

Not enough input arguments.

Error in digits (line 3)

for i=1:length(s)

Error in sym (line 192)

S.Digits = digits;

Error in syms (line 227)

defined = sym(zeros(1, length(args)));

>> ver

MATLAB Version 9.8 (R2020a)

Simulink Version 10.1 (R2020a)

Symbolic Math Toolbox Version 8.5 (R2020a)

>> which syms

C:\Program Files\Polyspace\R2020a\toolbox\symbolic\symbolic\syms.m

Comment: It looks like matlab can find and call the function. Any explaination or suggestion regarding the error is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

[Cris LaPierre]

Is it possible you have overwritten the digits function?

>> which digits
C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2020a\toolbox\symbolic\symbolic\digits.m

My R2020a file does not contain a line "for i=1:length(s)" anywhere in it. Your error message suggests it is line 3.

When I create a local digits function (saved in the current folder), I get the following error message.

Not enough input arguments.

Error in digits (line 3)
for i=1:length(s)

Error in sym (line 201)
        S.Digits = digits;

Error in sympref>implementedSymprefs (line 154)
   y = {'FourierParameters', sym([1,-1]), 'MuPAD', 'sym', {};...

Error in sympref (line 90)
  iSymprefs = implementedSymprefs;

Error in symengine

Error in sym (line 200)
        symengine;

Error in syms (line 227)
defined = sym(zeros(1, length(args)));
 
Warning: Failed to initialize symbolic preferences. 
> In symengine
  In sym (line 200)
  In syms (line 227) 
Not enough input arguments.

Error in digits (line 3)
for i=1:length(s)

Error in sym (line 201)
        S.Digits = digits;

Error in syms (line 227)
defined = sym(zeros(1, length(args)));

[Cris LaPierre]

For reference, this is the digits function I created

function r = digits(s)

for i=1:length(s)
    i
end
end

[Steven Lord]

I agree this is the likely cause. Line 3 of the digits.m included in Symbolic Math Toolbox is part of the function help text, not executable code. Rename your digits.m file (not the one in Symbolic Math Toolbox.)

[Jiawei Gong]

Thank you very much, gentlemen. The issue was exactly the overriding built-in with my own. Appreciate the swift answers.