How do I solve Kepler's equation for E using fzero?

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I am required to do an assignment in which I need to do just that and I can't figure it out. Equation is:
M=E-e*sin(E)
M, e, and E are all variables.
I need to use fzero to create a script that will solve it for E when I input M and e. It should look something like Kepler(1,2) in the command window for example. Any help would be great thanks alot
  5 Comments
Walter Roberson
Walter Roberson on 30 Aug 2017
We don't know that, James. We are only told that e is a variable.
James Tursa
James Tursa on 30 Aug 2017
Edited: James Tursa on 30 Aug 2017
@Walter: It is true that OP did not tell you that, but I know that Kepler's equation is used for elliptical orbits. So I was just filling in a detail that OP did not mention.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kepler%27s_equation

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Accepted Answer

James Tursa
James Tursa on 30 Aug 2017
Edited: James Tursa on 30 Aug 2017
To use fzero, you first need to form an equation with 0 on one side. So this equation:
M = E - e * sin(E)
becomes this equation:
0 = E - e * sin(E) - M
Then set up your known values:
e = something
M = something
Then form a function handle for the equation that you want to be 0 as a function of what you want to solve for, which is E in this case:
kepler_equation = @(E) E - e * sin(E) - M
Then it is just a matter of calling fzero with this function handle and an initial guess. E.g., you could use M as the initial guess. I will leave that part for you to figure out. Look at the doc for fzero to see how to call it.
If you are creating a function that outputs E given e and M, then the outline of that function would be this in a file called Kepler.m:
% E = Kepler(e,M) solves Kepler's equation, E and M are in radians
function E = Kepler(e,M)
% form the function handle here <-- you insert this code
% call fzero here <-- you insert this code
return
end
The code you insert above will be based on the advice I gave you above.

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