How to Learn Roman Numerals

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 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

   Step 2: Use a mnemonic to memorize the value order of the symbols.

   If you have a hard time remembering what goes where, just try this simple one:
   My Dear Cat Loves Xtra Vitamins Intensely. , Here they are:
   I = 1 II = 2 III = 3 IV = 4 V = 5 VI = 6 VII = 7 VIII = 8 IX = 9 , Here they are:
   X = 10 XX = 20 XXX = 30 XL = 40 L = 50 LX = 60 LXX = 70 LXXX = 80 XC = 90 , Here they are:
   C = 100 CC = 200 CCC = 300 CD = 400 D = 500 DC = 600 DCC = 700 DCCC = 800 CM = 900 , When you place the same symbols together, you can just add their values.
   
   Normally the maximum number of the consecutive same symbols is three.
   
   II = 2 XXX = 30 , Similar to the above rule, just add their values together.
   
   Remember the numeral must have the larger symbol value first for this to work.
   
   Here's how you do it:
   XI = 11 MCL = 1150 , In this case, you need to subtract the smaller value from the larger value.
   
   Here's how you do it:
   IV = 4 CM = 900 , There are numerous rules that govern the way Roman numerals are supposed to look.
   
   Here are some rules to know:
   IV should be used rather than IIII 2987 is written as MMCMLXXXVII because:
   The first M gives you 1000 The next M gives you 1000 The next CM gives you 900 The next LXXX gives you 80 The next VII gives you 7 Therefore if you add the amounts together, you will get
   2987. , Since M = 1,000, if you want to represent one million, a bar, or line, is added above the numeral M, equaling one million.
   
   The bar above the numeral represents that figure times one thousand.
   
   Thus, M x M= 1,000,000.
   
   Five million would be represented by MMMMM with a bar above each M.
   
   This procedure is necessary because in Roman numerals, there is no larger symbol than M (1,000).
   
   This method isn't commonly used, but it's good to know how it works. , If you want to make sure you converted a number correctly, check out some online converters to see if you're on track.
3. 3

   Step 3: Learn all of the digits in the ones place.

4. 4

   Step 4: Learn all of the digits in the tens place.

5. 5

   Step 5: Learn all of the digits in the hundreds place.

6. 6

   Step 6: Know that you can't have more than three of the same symbol in a row.

7. 7

   Step 7: Add smaller symbol values that are placed after large symbol values.

8. 8

   Step 8: Subtract smaller symbol values that are placed before larger symbol values.

9. 9

   Step 9: Know how compound numbers are written.

10. 10

    Step 10: Learn to write larger numbers.

11. 11

    Step 11: Check your work.

Detailed Guide

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