Questions regarding fast fourier transform (fft)

[EDIT: Fri May 13 14:56:23 UTC 2011 - Merged/Removed Duplicate - MKF]

I have taken 4096 force and acceleration data in time domain (time is from 0 to 2 secs) and converted those to fft using fft()code. The problem is in the display it is coming 1.0e 004* and then below 1 whole number and then complex numbers relating those 4096 data for both force and acceleration data. My question is should I multiply that 1.0e 004* to all those 4096 complex numbers or should I discard that? What does that EXPONENTIAL value mean? Please help in this regard.

[EDIT: Fri May 13 14:56:23 UTC 2011 - Inserted From Duplicate - MKF]

My question is when should I enter that command: before converting it to fft or after converting it? Can I please send the values that I am getting and send it to you so that you can get clear picture of it?

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

You should issue the command

format g

or

format long g

and then you will get a more readable display.

[Walter Roberson]

You can use the command any time before you display the data.

Please do not send me the data: I have a good idea already of what you are seeing, and know that your confusion would be cleared up by using the "format" command and reading the documentation about "format".