How do I use a string in my input?

I have a homework question that asks:

Write a function called my_wish that takes input arguments in string format such as "square, double, cubic, or half" and second input in a double format of any number such as 4. Use switch statement for this function according to:

>>my_wish('cubic',4) The cubic of 4 is 64

I've been trying all day and I can't figure it out. I know how it could be done but I think I just don't know how to call on the proper variables.

function [] = my_wish(square,double)
x = double.^square;
square = 2;
switch x
    case 'square', 2;
        disp('The square of d% is d%')
end

Answer 1

[Akira Agata]

Like this?

function my_wish(str,val)
switch str
  case 'square'
      result = sprintf('The square of %d is %d',val,val^2);
  case 'cubic'
      result = sprintf('The square of %d is %d',val,val^3);
end
disp(result)
end

And here is the result:

>> my_wish('square',2)
The square of 2 is 4

>> my_wish('cubic',4)
The square of 4 is 64

Answer 2

[Matthew Orsie]

That's perfect! Thank you so much!