The Text properties of the Label objects in the Lucky Seven program are calculated using a random number function as follows:

Label1.Text = CStr(Int(Rnd() * 10))

The value 10 is used because there are 10 possible digits to choose from. If we were using the ancient Mayan number system which is based on 20 digits, we would code this as:

IndexValue = CStr(Int(Rnd() * 20))

...and then we would have to convert our "index value" into one of the Mayan number glyphs. So, in general, we can select one of "N" objects randomly using this general formula. The actual formula for selecting a random number in a range from HighestValue to LowestValue looks like this:

Int((HighestValue - LowestValue) * Rnd) + LowestValue

Note that this formula will select LowestValue but not HighestValue. To include HighestValue in the selection, add 1. Suppose, then, that we had 8,743 questions in our Trivia Contest. We could randomly select one of the questions the same way.

IndexValue = CStr(Int(Rnd() * 8743))

This leaves a whole bunch of questions still to be answered, however. For one, where are these questions stored for the program? And another is, how do we display a different picture for different answers?

Chapter 3 - discussed in the lesson to be delivered next time - includes a program called the "Online Shopper". We'll talk more about it then!