Roman Numerals

Roman Numerals

Roman numerals were originated in ancient Rome to calculate the numbers and values.

The number system we are using is Hindu-Arabic Numeral System.

How To Read Roman Numerals

Once you remember these seven symbols , reading roman numerals is very easy.

Have a look on roman numerals from 1-10.

If a symbol is repeated, its value increased as many times as it occurs, but the same symbol cannot be used more than 3 times.

Example: I = 1, II=2, III = 3

                 X = 10, XX = 20, XXX = 30

Did you observe that we cannot use the same symbol more than 3 times?

There is no numeral value for zero.

So, there are seven basic symbols that we use to read and write roman numerals:

How to Write Other Numbers?

If a symbol of lower value is written to the left of greater value symbol, then its value is subtracted from the value of the greater symbol.

If a symbol of greater value is written to the left of lower value symbol, then their values are added.

Practice Exercise

Write the Roman Numerals for following numbers:

• 6
• 28
• 39
• 50
• 64

Answers: 1) VI   2) XXVIII   3) XXXIX   4) L   5) LXIV

Write the numbers for following:

• VII
• XIV
• XXIX
• XLIX
• C

Answers: 1) 7   2) 14   3) 29   4) 49   5) 100

Match the Roman Numerals with Numbers:

Answers

Recap

• Roman numerals are represented with symbols.
• There is no roman numeral for zero.
• We cannot use same symbol more than 3 times.
• Important symbols: V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000