The Romans used the following symbols to represent their counting numbers:

 

I = 1

V = 5

X = 10

L = 50

C = 100

D = 500

M = 1000

 

 

Certain rules apply.

 

A letter placed after another letter means that you add the second letter to the first letter. Examples include: 

 

VI = 5 + 1 = 6

VII = 5 + 1 + 1 = 7

VIII = 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8

XI = 10 + 1 = 11

LX = 50 + 10 = 60

MC = 1000 + 100 = 1100

 

 

A letter placed before another letter means that you subtract the first letter from the second. Examples include: 

 

IV = 5 - 1 = 4

IX = 10 - 1 = 9

XL = 50 - 10 = 40

CM = 1000 - 100 = 900

 

 

Example

For what number does this Roman numeral stand?

 

MMCMXLIX

 

Answer

MM = 2000

CM = 1000 - 100 = 900

XL = 50 - 10 = 40

IX = 10 - 1 = 9

So MMCMXLIX = 2949

 

It may look complicated, but just take it one step at a time and you'll soon get the hang of it.

You can look back at this introduction at any point by clicking on the red help button on the screen.

 

 

Let's get  started.