Prompting the user to enter the variables, Problem

[Jenni C]

Lets say that I want to have the user enter values for a variable

clear

%Enter R values for each item

R1=input('enter R value for lathe...')

R2=input('enter R value for insulation...')

R3=input('enter R value for wood...')

R4=input('enter R value for brick...')

%Enter indoor temperature

Tin=input('enter indoor temp...')

%Enter outdoor temperature

Tout=input('enter outdoor temp...')

I get this for my first input.

enter R value for lathe...

R1 =

  []

enter R value for insulation...

I can enter all of the other values fine but not the first one.  Any help on this would be greatly appreciated. 

Jen