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How to Learn Roman NumeralsRoman numerals are the numerical system used in ancient Rome. They use combinations of letters

from the Latin alphabet to represent different values. Learning Roman numerals can help you write

outlines, understand ancient Roman culture, and become a more cultured human being. Find out how

to quickly master those tricky symbols after the jump.

1Understand the basic symbols.Here's what you need to know to get started:

[1]

I = 1 V = 5 X = 10 L = 50 C = 100 D = 500 M = 1000

2Use a mnemonic to memorize the value order of the symbols.If you have a hard time

remembering what goes where, just try this simple device: My Dear Cat LovesXtra Vitamins Intensely.

2. 3Learn all of the digits in the ones place.Here they are:

I = 1 II = 2 III = 3 IV = 4 V = 5 VI = 6 VII = 7 VIII = 8 IX = 9

3. 4

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Learn all of the digits in the tens place.Here they are:

X = 10 XX = 20 XXX = 30 XL = 40 L = 50 LX = 60 LXX = 70 LXXX = 80 XC = 90

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Learn all of the digits in the hundreds place.Here they are:

C = 100 CC = 200 CCC = 300 CD = 400 D = 500 DC = 600 DCC = 700 DCCC = 800 CM = 900

5. 6Know that you can't have more than three of the same symbol in a row. 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

6. 7

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Add smaller symbol values that are placed after large symbol values.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

7. 8Subtract smaller symbol values that are placed before larger symbol values.In this case, you

need to subtract the smaller value from the larger value. Here's how you do it:

IV = 4 CM = 900

8. 9Know how compound numbers are written.There are numerous rules that govern the way Romannumerals 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.

9. 10Learn to write larger numbers.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.

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Five million would be represented by MMMMM with a bar above each M. This procedure is necessarybecause 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.

10. 11Check your work.If you want to make sure you converted a number correctly, check out some

online converters to see if you're on track.[2]

Tips

CM = 900 X = 10 L = 50 II = 2 IV = 4 VII = 7 IX = 9 VIII = 8 VI = 6 MCMLXXXIV = 1984 (M=1000; CM=900; LXXX=80; IV=4)

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