JENECONKMaths Universe

Roman Numerals

Ages 8–12

Difficulty adapts to you

Roman Numerals

Roman numerals use symbols such as I, V, X, L, and C. Usually you add values from left to right, but approved subtractive pairs such as IV and IX place a smaller value before a larger one.

Your goals

  • ✓You can read and write Roman numerals.
  • ✓You can use Roman numeral, subtractive pair correctly.
  • ✓You can read symbols from left to right and look for subtractive pairs.

Words to know

Roman numeral:
A number written using symbols such as I, V, X, L, and C.
subtractive pair:
A smaller symbol before a larger one, such as IV, meaning 4.

Examples

  • 1I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, and C = 100.
  • 2XII = 12 because 10 + 1 + 1 = 12. IX = 9 because 10 − 1 = 9.

Check these

  • • Do not subtract whenever a smaller symbol appears, even when the pair is not valid.
  • • Keep every number, symbol, label, and unit in its correct place.
  • • Show enough working to check how you reached your answer.

Helpful habits

  • • Read the whole question before choosing what to do.
  • • Show one clear step at a time and check each step.
  • • If you are stuck, draw a model, try smaller numbers, or revisit the example.

Now try your own

Create your own roman numerals example, solve it, and explain how you checked it.

Shield

Shield

Safety & Digital Confidence

“It is okay to not know — asking for help is brave!”