Hi, I am beginner in Mathematica too. I would like advice for starting web:
http://reference.wolfram.com/mathematica/guide/Mathematica.html
It is difficult to answer your question because you describe your task briefly.
You cant compare Mathlab and Mathematica because there is totally different idea of evaluation. Mathlab solving kernel is very old and it is numerical. Mathematica in general is based on rules and symbols and solution is more precise.
If you want solve your task and compare results between Mathlab and Mathematica you must standardize your Input/Output. You can use files. Your code can be this:
imp=Import[input file];
formula={
.function of imp
,
};
Export[export file,formula];(*export file can be .mat and than is result comparable*)
It is only one choice for your solution. If you want better solution you must write additional specification.