How to Learn Roman Numerals

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Roman 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.

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

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. [2] X Research source

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

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

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

• II = 2
• XXX = 30

• XI = 11
• MCL = 1150

• IV = 4
• CM = 900

• 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.

  

  • 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.

  

  Check 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. [10] X Research source

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  Community Q&A

  How do I write 1,000,000? Top Answerer

  As shown above, use M with a bar (horizontal line) above it. That means 1,000 multiplied by 1,000. Another way is to write M x M.

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  How can I learn these in a day? Community Answer

  1) Memorize the meaning of the letters (e.g. M = 1000, C =100). 2) Learn to group the combinations in different digits (E.g. Thousandth, hundereded, tenth, ones; MMCMLXXVII = MM CM LXXX VII). 3) learn when to add and when to subtract. MMCMLXXVII = (1000+1000)+(1000-100)+(50+10+10+10)+(5+1+1) = 2987

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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  How do I remember roman numerals? Top Answerer

  Use flash cards, or read this article (or others like it) over and over again until it's committed to memory. There are no shortcuts. You just have to memorize.

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