How to change the matlab default ans?

This is what is want to get: Write a function called get_sign.m that takes a scalar double-precision value as its input and returns a string '1' or '0' depending on the input’s sign.

 >> get_sign (10.25)
 a n s = 0

 >> get_sign ( -65)
 a n s = 1

And here is my code:

function x = myfunction(x)

if x > 0;

disp('ans = 0');

else 

disp('ans = 1');

end

end

I'd get

>> get_sign(20)

0

ans =

      20

How to remove the ans = 20 and only displays ans = 0 or 1.

Answer 1

[Walter Roberson]

The requirements are contradictory. The text of the question requires that '0' or '1' be returned (not printed), but the examples require that 'a n s = 0' or 'a n s = 1' be printed and no value be returned. You cannot meet both requirements at the same time.

This is what it would look like if '1' was being returned:

>> '1'

ans =

1

Notice that 'ans' has no spaces inside it, and that the output is over several lines. This output form is automatic and not under the control of the function being called. If you need

   a n s = 1

to be emitted then it has to be printed (displayed) and nothing can be returned.

You will need to resolve this contradiction before you can proceed.

Answer 2

[Andrei Bobrov]

get_sign = @(x)x < 0

[Walter Roberson]

get_sign = @(x) char('0' + (x < 0))

but this does not satisfy the contradiction about 'a n s = 1' or 'a n s = 0' compared to returning '0' or '1'