How can I use LINSOLVE function with sparse matrices?

Question

MathWorks Support Team 2009-6-27

I would like to use the command LINSOLVE with sparse matrices. When I run the following code:

A = triu(rand(5,3));
x = [1 1 1 0 0]';
b = A'*x;
opts.UT = true; opts.TRANSA = true;
S = sparse(A);
y2 = linsolve(S,b,opts);

I receive the following error:

 ??? Error using ==> linsolve
 Linsolve is currently not supported for sparse inputs

Answer 1

The ability to use LINSOLVE function with sparse matrices is not available in MATLAB R2007a Prerelease.

As a workaround, you can use MLDIVIDE(\) or MRDIVIDE(/) operators on your sparse matrices.