How to make a function that uses a mathematical function as an input?

I want to create a function that takes two inputs

f(x) and x1

that I can put through the central finite differentiation formula;

y=(f(x1+h)-f(x1-h))/2h

where h is a constant

and the function on each side = f(x)

so for example;

f(x)=sin(x)
x1=2
y=sin(2+h)-sin(2-h)/2*h

I want to function input that i can subsititute into but I don't know how to go about it, I've looked at anonymous function, parameter and other documentation.

I just want a nudge in the right direction, not a complete answer if at all possible.

Answer 1

[madhan ravi]

f=@(x)sin(x);

[madhan ravi]

Alternatively just add

syms x

at the beginning of your code.

[Steven Lord]

In this case you don't need to create an anonymous function. A plain old function handle will do.

f = @sin;
h = 0.1;
y = (f(2+h)-f(2-h))./(2*h)

[Benjamin Memisevic]

With Steven Lord's solution, it works but how would i input composate functions?

For example

x * sin(x)?

[Bjorn Gustavsson]

Then you'd be back to generate an anonymous function:

f = @(x) x.*sin(x);

[Benjamin Memisevic]

Yup figured out but awesome, thanks a tonne.

Sorry for all the begginner questions, was just hard to wrap my head around the task due to its wording.

Thanks for all the help all.

[madhan ravi]

@Benjamin: Need not be sorry. You may find this link useful:https://in.mathworks.com/help/matlab/matlab_prog/anonymous-functions.html