Syntax for defining unknown variables in Octave ie x = sym("x").

[Russell jarvis]

I am trying to figure out if the Matlab syntax for defining symbols
generally works in Octave such as in the below example.

< > x = sym("x")
< > y = sym("y")
< > (x + 6 ) * y
< ans = y*(6.0+x)

When ever I try anything like this in Octave I get error messages. I
wonder if there is an alternative approach to defining unknown
variables in Octave?

I have looked through the Octave documentation, but I have not managed
to find a relevant topic or page addressing this issue.

If anyone can help, or guide me to a page that would be cool.

Thanks.
Russell.