I like the string parsing idea - you're only talking one digit in your post. However the idea of breaking it into smaller pieces makes it much more "usable" - with this approach.
I don't know your circumstances - but you might just start with smaller pieces to begin with - or parse once and keep the number "parts" in numeric variables - period. Its pretty easy to take a number like 2008 and make a string of it
STR$(2008) and its a bit trickeir to parse strings in my opinion.
Ahhh - the beuty of programming problems - there are so many ways to approach them - and many will argue which is correct. I don't believe in correct - I believe in:
1: Does it work?
2: Is it efficient?
3: Can I read the code two monthes from now?
If yes to all three - you're not correct - you're not wrong - just move on!
(I'm being a little silly) but there is some truth to this too. I forget ---ahh.. "Pixel Perfect" has a signature:
Quote: "No matter how great your code - someone will improve upon it"
(or something close) and its very true.