Content

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Roman numerals are the number system that was used in ancient Rome. They consist of combinations of letters of the Latin alphabet. By studying Roman numerals, you can understand ancient Roman culture and become a more cultured person. Learn how to quickly master these complex symbols.

Steps

1. 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 = 1000
2. 2 Use mnemonics to remember the ordinal meaning of characters. If you find it difficult to remember what comes after what, try this simple phrase in English: My Dear Cat Loves Xtra Vitamins Intensely.
3. 3 Learn all the numbers in the ones place. Here they are:
   • I = 1
   • II = 2
   • III = 3
   • IV = 4
   • V = 5
   • VI = 6
   • VII = 7
   • VIII = 8
   • IX = 9
4. 4 Learn all the digits in the tens place. Here they are:
   • X = 10
   • XX = 20
   • XXX = 30
   • XL = 40
   • L = 50
   • LX = 60
   • LXX = 70
   • LXXX = 80
   • XC = 90
5. 5 Learn all the digits in the hundreds place. Here they are:
   • C = 100
   • CC = 200
   • CCC = 300
   • CD = 400
   • D = 500
   • DC = 600
   • DCC = 700
   • DCCC = 800
   • CM = 900
6. 6 There can be no more than three identical symbols in a row. If you write the same characters, just sum their meanings. Usually the maximum number of consecutive identical characters is three.
   • II = 2
   • XXX = 30
7. 7 Add the smaller character values ​​that follow the larger character values. As in the previous step, just fold them. Remember that for this, a number with a large value must first come. Here's how to do it:
   • XI = 11
   • MCL = 1150
8. 8 Subtract the smaller character values ​​that come before the larger character values. In this case, the smaller must be subtracted from the larger. Here's how to do it:
   • IV = 4
   • CM = 900
9. 9 Learn to write down composite numbers. There are many rules for this. Here are some of them:
   • Use IV instead of IIII
   • 2987 is written as MMCMLXXXVII because:
     • The first M is 1000
     • Next M is 1000
     • CM is 900
     • LXXX is 80
     • VII is 7
     • So if you add up, you get 2987
10. 10 Learn to write down large numbers. Since M = 1000, then to write one million, you need to put a dash above M. The dash means that the figure is multiplied by 1000, namely: M x M = 1,000,000.
    • Five million will be written as MMMMM with a dash above each letter. This is necessary because in Roman numerals there is no symbol greater than M (1000). This method is not usually used, but it will be useful for you to know how it works.
11. 11 Check your work. If you want to make sure that you recorded everything correctly, check yourself with an online converter.

Tips

• MCMLXXXIV = 1984 (M = 1000; CM = 900; LXXX = 80; IV = 4)
• MMXI = 2011
• Take notes as you learn. It may be very boring, but it is extremely useful for knowledge to be deposited in long-term memory.

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