Compare values from for loop

Hello, I just experienced something weird (at least something I wouldn't have expected):

 for m=0.4:0.2:1.2
      if (m == 0.6)
        a = 2;
      end
 end

Now even if my m is assigned to 0.6 the if condition will give 0. Why is that and how can I avoid that?

Thanks, Paul

Answer 1

[Evan]

It looks like this is resulting from the limited precision of floating point numbers. When you pause the execution of the loop when m should be 0.6 and type m - 0.6, you should get a very small number like 1.1102e-16. Does the following change fix your problem?

for m=0.4:0.2:1.2
    if abs(m - 0.6) <= eps(0.6)
        a = 2;
    end
end

Answer 2

[Paul]

This is working.

Thank you!

[Evan]

No problem! Also, if your question has been answered, be sure to click the "accept answer" button so that other users here know that the problem has been resolved.