int num_digits(int num) {
    if (num < 0) num = -num;
    if (num >= 10) return num_digits(num / 10) + 1;
    return 1;
}

// chatgpt generated
int get_digit_at_position(int number, int index) {
    if (index < 0) {
        return -1;
    }
    
    int divisor = 1;
    int tempNumber = number;
    while (tempNumber >= 10) {
        tempNumber /= 10;
        divisor *= 10;
    }
    
    if (index >= divisor) {
        return -1;
    }
    
    for (int i = 0; i < index; i++) {
        number /= 10;
    }
    
    int digit = number % 10;
    
    return digit;
}