Roman Numerals
An additive-subtractive numeral system using I, V, X, L, C, D, M.
Key idea
An additive-subtractive numeral system using I, V, X, L, C, D, M.
In depth
Roman numerals use letters I, V, X, L, C, D, M with values 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000. Add values left to right, but a smaller symbol before a larger one is subtracted. They have no zero or place value.
Worked example
MCMXCIV = 1000 + (1000−100) + (100−10) + (5−1) = 1994.
Real-world uses
- Reading clock faces, book chapters, film copyright years and monarch names
Common mistake
Repeating a symbol four times; IIII is written IV.
How to learn this
- Read the key idea and say it in your own words.
- Work through the worked example, then try a similar problem.
- Use the interactive lesson’s visual and mini-quiz to check the pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What is Roman Numerals?
An additive-subtractive numeral system using I, V, X, L, C, D, M. It is a topic at the beginner level in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
Where is Roman Numerals used in real life?
Real-world examples: Reading clock faces, book chapters, film copyright years and monarch names.
What should I learn before Roman Numerals?
Make sure you are comfortable with Hexadecimal and Octal, the previous topic in Arithmetic & Number Sense.
What is a common mistake with Roman Numerals?
Repeating a symbol four times; IIII is written IV.
How can I practise Roman Numerals?
Open the interactive lesson, play with the visual, then answer the three-question mini-quiz. Getting two right marks the topic complete.
What comes after Roman Numerals?
Move on to Perfect Numbers next.
Related beginner topics in Arithmetic & Number Sense
- Counting & Cardinality – Assigning one number word to each object to find how many there are.
- Place Value – The value of a digit depends on its position: ones, tens, hundreds and so on.
- Number Line – A line where numbers are placed in order at equal spacing to compare and add them.
- Comparing Numbers – Use <, > and = to say which number is smaller, larger or equal.
- Ordering Numbers – Arranging numbers from least to greatest or the reverse.
- Even and Odd Numbers – Even numbers divide by 2 with no remainder; odd numbers leave remainder 1.