How to Learn Roman Numerals: 11 Steps

Table of contents:

2023 Author: Sybil Carroll | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 06:08

Roman numerals are the number system used in ancient Rome. They used combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet to represent different values. Learning Roman numerals can help you write summaries, understand ancient Roman culture, and become a more cultured person. Learn to quickly master these difficult symbols after taking the jump.

Steps

Step 1. Understand the basic symbols

Here's what you need to know to get started:

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

Step 2. Use a mnemonic rule to memorize the order of the value of the symbols

If you have trouble remembering where each one is going, just try to remember this: Mi D ía Cbegins LIndo, Xiomara Vende Islas.

Step 3. Learn all the digits in the ones place

Here we present them:

I = 1
II = 2
III = 3
IV = 4
V = 5
VI = 6
VII = 7
VIII = 8
IX = 9

Step 4. Learn all the digits in the tens place

Here we present them:

X = 10
XX = 20
XXX = 30
XL = 40
L = 50
LX = 60
LXX = 70
LXXX = 80
XC = 90

Step 5. Learn all the digits in the hundreds place

Here we present them:

C = 100
CC = 200
CCC = 300
CD = 400
D = 500
DC = 600
DCC = 700
DCCC = 800
CM = 900

Step 6. You should know that you cannot have more than three of the same symbols in a row

If you put the same symbols together, you can simply add their values. Normally the maximum number of the same consecutive symbol is three.

II = 2
XXX = 30

Step 7. Sum smaller symbol values that are placed after larger symbol values

Similar to the rule above, just add your values together. Remember that the number must have the value of the largest symbol first for this to work. Here's how to do it:

XI = 11
MCL = 1,150

Step 8. Subtract the smaller symbol values that come before the larger symbol values

In this case, you will have to subtract the smallest value from the largest value. Here's how to do it:

IV = 4
CM = 900

Step 9. Know how composite numbers are written

There are various rules that govern the way Roman numerals are supposed to look. Here are some rules you should know:

IV should be used in place of IIII.
2.987 is written as MMCMLXXXVII because:
- The first letter M is 1,000.
- The next letter M is 1,000.
- The next letters CM give 900.
- The following letters LXXX give 80.
- The next letters VII give 7.
- Therefore, you will get 2,987 if you put the amounts together.

Step 10. Learn to write the largest numbers

Since M is 1,000, you will have to add a bar or a line on top if you want to represent a million, so this new symbol will equal that figure. The bar above the symbol represents a thousand times that amount. Therefore, M x M will be 1,000,000.