Introducing Roman Numbers: Roman numbers 1 to 100

Today, we’re going to embark on an exciting journey back in time to discover the world of Roman numbers. These are not just any numbers; they are an ancient system used by the Romans, full of mystery and intrigue. So, get ready to explore the Roman numeral system, understand a Roman numerals chart, and learn how Roman numbers are used in maths.

Chapter 1: What are Roman Numbers?

Roman numbers were the number system used in ancient Rome. This system is different from the numbers we use today, which are called Arabic numerals. Roman numbers don’t use digits like 1, 2, 3; instead, they use letters from the Latin alphabet to represent numbers.

The Basic Symbols

The Roman numeral system uses seven basic symbols:

I stands for 1

V stands for 5

X stands for 10

L stands for 50

C stands for 100

D stands for 500

M stands for 1000


Number	Roman Numeral	Number	Roman Numeral	Number	Roman Numeral	Number	Roman Numeral
1	I	26	XXVI	51	LI	76	LXXVI
2	II	27	XXVII	52	LII	77	LXXVII
3	III	28	XXVIII	53	LIII	78	LXXVIII
4	IV	29	XXIX	54	LIV	79	LXXIX
5	V	30	XXX	55	LV	80	LXXX
6	VI	31	XXXI	56	LVI	81	LXXXI
7	VII	32	XXXII	57	LVII	82	LXXXII
8	VIII	33	XXXIII	58	LVIII	83	LXXXIII
9	IX	34	XXXIV	59	LIX	84	LXXXIV
10	X	35	XXXV	60	LX	85	LXXXV
11	XI	36	XXXVI	61	LXI	86	LXXXVI
12	XII	37	XXXVII	62	LXII	87	LXXXVII
13	XIII	38	XXXVIII	63	LXIII	88	LXXXVIII
14	XIV	39	XXXIX	64	LXIV	89	LXXXIX
15	XV	40	XL	65	LXV	90	XC
16	XVI	41	XLI	66	LXVI	91	XCI
17	XVII	42	XLII	67	LXVII	92	XCII
18	XVIII	43	XLIII	68	LXVIII	93	XCIII
19	XIX	44	XLIV	69	LXIX	94	XCIV
20	XX	45	XLV	70	LXX	95	XCV
21	XXI	46	XLVI	71	LXXI	96	XCVI
22	XXII	47	XLVII	72	LXXII	97	XCVII
23	XXIII	48	XLVIII	73	LXXIII	98	XCVIII
24	XXIV	49	XLIX	74	LXXIV	99	XCIX
25	XXV					100	C

Each symbol represents a fixed value, and these symbols are combined to make different numbers.

Chapter 2: Understanding the Roman Numerals Chart

A Roman numerals chart is a helpful tool to understand how these numbers work. It shows the numbers from 1 to 100 or more, using Roman numbers. Here’s a simple chart to get you started:

1 – I

2 – II

3 – III

4 – IV

5 – V

6 – VI

7 – VII

8 – VIII

9 – IX

10 – X

Notice something interesting? To make 4 (IV), you put I before V. This is because, in Roman numbers, placing a smaller numeral before a larger one means you subtract it. So, IV is 5 minus 1, which equals 4.

Also Read: What Is Tessellation In Geometry And How To Introduce It To Children

Chapter 3: Rules of Roman Numbers

To become a Roman numbers whiz, you need to remember a few rules:

Repeated Numbers: You can repeat a numeral up to three times to add its value. For example, III is 3 (1+1+1).

Subtraction Rule: As seen in IV (4), placing a smaller numeral before a larger one means subtracting. IX means 10 minus 1, which is 9.

Addition Rule: If a numeral is placed after a larger or equal numeral, you add its value. For instance, VI is 6 (5+1).

Don’t Repeat More Than Three Times: A symbol shouldn’t be repeated more than three times in a row. So, 4 isn’t IIII, but IV.

Chapter 4: Roman Numbers in Maths

Roman numbers can be fun to use in maths! They help us understand the value of numbers and improve our problem-solving skills. You can practice adding or subtracting Roman numbers. For example, what is VII (7) plus III (3)? It’s X (10)!

Another interesting thing about Roman numbers in maths is how they show us different ways to think about numbers. While our usual Arabic numbers are more straightforward for calculations, Roman numbers offer a different perspective and challenge.

Chapter 5: Converting Roman Numbers to Numbers

Converting Roman numbers to numbers is a process that requires understanding the basic symbols and applying a few simple rules. Here’s a guide to help you convert Roman numbers into our more familiar Arabic numbers:

1. Know the Basic Symbols

Firstly, you should be familiar with the basic Roman numeral symbols and their corresponding values:

I = 1

V = 5

X = 10

L = 50

C = 100

D = 500

M = 1000

2. Add or Subtract Values

Roman numbers are written by combining these symbols and applying addition or subtraction rules:

Addition: If a symbol is followed by one of equal or lesser value, add the values. For example, in “VI” (6), you add V (5) and I (1).

Subtraction: If a symbol is followed by one of greater value, subtract the first from the second. For example, in “IV” (4), you subtract I (1) from V (5).

3. Start from the Left

Begin at the leftmost symbol and work your way right, applying these rules. If you encounter a smaller numeral followed by a larger numeral, remember to subtract; otherwise, keep adding the values.

4. Combine the Values

As you move through the numeral, combine the values as per the addition or subtraction rules. The total of these combined values gives you the number in Arabic numerals.

Example Conversions

Example 1: Convert “XII”

Breakdown: X (10) + I (1) + I (1)

Calculation: 10 + 1 + 1 = 12

“XII” = 12

Example 2: Convert “XLIV”

Breakdown: XL (40) + IV (4)

Calculation: 40 + 4 = 44

“XLIV” = 44

Example 3: Convert “MCMXC”

Breakdown: M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90)

Calculation: 1000 + 900 + 90 = 1990

“MCMXC” = 1990

Also Read: Trigonometry: Introducing trigonometric ratios, trigonometric identities, and their applications

Chapter 6: The Roman Numeral System in Everyday Life

Even though Roman numbers are ancient, they are still used today. You can find them on clocks, in books to number chapters, and to mark important dates or events. For instance, the year 2022 is written as MMXXII in Roman numbers.

Also Read: Circles: Analysing Properties of Circles, Including Chords, Tangents, and Angles in a Circle

Remember, the Roman numeral system is not just a way to write numbers; it’s a link to a rich historical past. Whether you’re looking at a clock, reading a book, or exploring maths problems, Roman numbers offer a unique and fascinating way to connect with history. EuroSchool offers an engaging, comprehensive maths curriculum blending theory and practical applications.