Displaying a List Position in a List

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   When a value is assigned to a !groupname!, that value is not the actual text. Rather it is the positional value of the selection among all of the possible choices. So if you listed all 50 United States in alphabetical order, and selected 'Florida', the !groupname! assigned to that element would NOT be Florida. Rather, it is set to "9".

    Using positional values makes setting the values of other members of the group to the desired value. So, if you have a list of capitals of the 50 States in 'state' (as opposed to alphabetical) order, it is a piece of cake to find Tallahasse (9th position, right?).

   But as you work with lists within Ask Tables, especially <<*If* equations with !groups! does Pathagoras require that you have to count positions each and every time you are making a positional assignment?!? No, of course not.

   You can ask Pathagoras to pre-pend as hidden text a number reflecting the position of each item in an <<*AskOptions*. . . >> list. You can turn on and off the display of the hidden numbers as needed. Simply click the pilcrow (that's the backwards P symbol on the Home screen).

   To assign this hidden text, highlight the list and click over to "Pathagoras Features | Authoring/Editing Tools | Miscellaneous". Select the 'Add Hidden #s to Choices'. If you add more choices to the list, you can also 'Delete' the existing numbers and then re-apply.

   Don't forget that you can add these tools to your Alt-Q (Quick Picks) menu. Look for 'Add Hidden #s' and Del Hidden #s.)