Roman Numerals

Definition of Roman Numerals

• The system of Roman numerals is numeral system used by the ancient Romans.
• Roman numerals are the symbols used by the ancient Romans to represent numbers.

Examples of Roman Numerals

• Following are the basic symbols and the numbers they represent in the Roman numeral system:

I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1,000.

• The other numbers in the Roman numeral system are obtained by placing these basic symbols beside each other.

For example, XV = 10 + 5 = 15

IX = 10 – 1 = 9

VI = 5 + 1 = 6

Solved Example on Roman Numerals

Which of the following numbers can be represented as a Roman numeral using the letters V and I? 

Choices:

A. 3

B. 9

C. 10

D. 4

Correct Answer: D

Solution:

Step 1: Considering choice A, 4 = 5 - 1 = IV

Step 2: Considering choice B, 3 = 1 + 1 + 1 = III

Step 3: Considering choice C, 9 = 10 - 1 = IX

Step 4: Considering choice D, 10 = X

Step 5: So, the number that can be represented as a Roman numeral using the letters V and I is 4.

                        

Related Terms for Roman Numerals

• Numeral system
• Symbol

 

Additional Links for Roman Numerals

• Click here for samples
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