lesson
Another way to record numbers
1 · Learn
Roman numerals use symbols including I for 1, V for 5, X for 10, L for 50 and C for 100. Some symbols add, while a smaller symbol before a larger one can subtract in standard combinations.
XL is 40 and XC is 90. LXXIV is 50 + 10 + 10 + 4 = 74. Unlike our decimal place-value system, the usual Roman numeral system has no zero placeholder.
2 · Worked example
I split LXVIII into L, X, V and III: 50 + 10 + 5 + 3 = 68.
3 · Your turn
Read XLII and XCIX. Write 26 using Roman numerals.
Check your answer
42; 99; XXVI.
4 · Apply your learning
Compare how 40 and 4 are written in both systems. Discuss the job of zero in 40, without inventing a Roman zero symbol.
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