Integer indexing array

Integer indexing array: Shift left Write a single statement that shifts row array attendance Values one position to the left. The rightmost element in shiftedValues also keeps its value. Ex: [10, 20, 30 40] after shifting becomes [20, 30, 40, 40]. Function > 1 function attendanceValues= ShiftValues (attendanceValues) 2 % attendanceValues: Array contains 4 elements recording attendence for the last 4 shows 3 4561 7 end % Change indexing values attendanceValues (1:1) = attendanceValues (1:1); Code to call your function > Save C Reset 1 ShiftValues ([10, 20, 30, 40]) 2 attendance-ShiftValues (attendance) MATLAB Documentation C Reset Run Function

The Correct Answer and Explanation is:

✅ Correct MATLAB Statement:

attendanceValues(1:3) = attendanceValues(2:4);

📘 Explanation (300+ words):

This MATLAB problem involves shifting the elements of a row vector one position to the left, while keeping the last element unchanged. Let’s walk through it carefully.

🔍 Problem Breakdown:

Suppose you have an array:

attendanceValues = [10, 20, 30, 40];

Your goal is to shift every element to the left by one position. The new array should be:

[20, 30, 40, 40]

This transformation moves:

  • attendanceValues(2) (20) into position 1,
  • attendanceValues(3) (30) into position 2,
  • attendanceValues(4) (40) into position 3,
  • and keeps the last element (attendanceValues(4)) unchanged.

🧠 Why attendanceValues(1:3) = attendanceValues(2:4) works:

This uses vectorized indexing, a powerful MATLAB feature that lets you assign multiple values in one line.

  • attendanceValues(1:3) targets the first three elements (10, 20, 30).
  • attendanceValues(2:4) gives the next three elements (20, 30, 40).
  • When assigned, the left side gets replaced by the right side:
    So, [10, 20, 30] becomes [20, 30, 40].

The 4th element remains unchanged, which is exactly what the problem requires.

⚠️ Common Pitfalls:

  • Using loops: While a for loop could also do this, the problem clearly asks for a single statement.
  • Overwriting values too early: If you start assigning from index 1 without saving the original values, you can corrupt the data. Vectorized assignment avoids this issue.
  • Trying to shift the last element: The problem says to keep the last element as it is — so we only modify the first three.

✅ Summary:

This concise and efficient line correctly shifts the values:

attendanceValues(1:3) = attendanceValues(2:4);

It leverages MATLAB’s strength in matrix operations and avoids unnecessary complexity.

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