In this activity, we will be learning to tell the time using clocks with Roman numerals. 

 

Here are two clocks.

 

          

 

One has normal numbers, the other has Roman numerals.

They both show the same time.

 

The long blue hand is pointing to the 9 or IX, which is almost the whole way round the clock, so the time will be:

Quarter to or 45 minutes past the hour.

 

The short red hand is pointing close to the 4 or the IV, so it is past three o'clock but not quite 4 o'clock.

It is quarter to four or 3:45

 

Let's try an example question together.

 

Example

What time does this clock show?

 

                    

 

Answer

The long blue hand is pointing to the 3 or III, which is a quarter of the way round the clock, so the time will be:

Quarter past something or ?:15

 

The short red hand is pointing just past the 2 or  II, so the time is:

Quarter past two or  2:15

 

Now you've seen Roman numeral clocks in action, it's time to try out your skills on some questions.