Page: Roman Numerals | Roman Numbers
Roman numerals were developed by the Ancient Romans.
We can see them in the numbers on clock face,
Number of chapters,
Denoting ranks in the class, etc.
The rules for the system are
If a symbol is repeated its value is added as many times as it occurs.
- II is equal 2
- XX is equal to 20
- XXX is equal 30
A symbol is not repeated more than three times.
But the symbols V, L and D are never repeated.
If a symbol of smaller value is written to the right of a symbol of greater value, its value gets added to the value of greater symbol.
Ex
VI = 5+1=6
XII = 10 + 1+1
= 12.
LXV= 50+ 10+5 =65
If a symbol of smaller value is written to he left of a symbol of greater value, its value subtracted from the value of greater symbol .
IV =5 – 1=4
XC = 100-10- 90.
The symbols V, L&D are never written to the left of a symbol of greater value,
i.e. V, L and D never subtracted.
- The symbol I can be subtracted from v and X only.
- X can be subtracted L, M and C only.
- C can be subtracted from D and M only.
