Page 23 - Math Skill - 5

2 2 Roman Numerals
Roman Numerals

Learning Outcomes

� Rules for Forming Roman Numerals � Writing Large Roman Numerals

Boot-Up

Form the greatest and smallest Roman numerals using the given symbols. Besides this, express them in
Hindu-Arabic number.
1. 2. 3. 4.

C I C X
V V L X I C X I

Greatest Smallest Greatest Smallest

Roman numerals originated, as the name suggests, in ancient Rome. There are seven basic
symbols to write any Roman number. The Roman numeral system does not follow place value
system. Let’s first, revise the rules to form Roman numbers.
Fact-o-meter

I V X L C D M � There is no symbol
1 5 10 50 100 500 1000 for zero (0) in Roman
number system.
Rules for Forming Roman Numerals
Rule 1: Repetition of a Roman numeral means addition.

For example, III means 3, XX means 20, etc.
Repetition of a symbol is not allowed more than three times.

Only I, X, C and M can be repeated.

Rule 2: A symbol for a smaller number written to the right of symbol of a larger number is
always added to the larger number.
For example, VII = 5 + 1 + 1 = 7

XIII = 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 13
CXX = 100 + 10 + 10 = 120