Roman numerals

Year 4 covers I-C; Year 5 extends to M (1000). Letters: I=1, V=5, X=10, L=50, C=100, D=500, M=1000.

Year 4 reads Roman numerals up to 100 (C); Year 5 to 1000 (M). The system is additive (II = 2, III = 3) with a subtractive shortcut for 4 (IV) and 9 (IX) etc.

Worked examples

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

VII = 5+1+1 = 7. IX = 10−1 = 9. XL = 50−10 = 40.

2024 = MMXXIV (1000 + 1000 + 10 + 10 + 5−1).

Frequently asked questions

Why no zero?

The Roman system has no symbol for zero — one of the reasons it was eventually replaced by the Arabic-Hindu system.

Why ‘IIII’ on clocks?

Aesthetic balance with VIII opposite. Strict Roman would write IV; clockmakers prefer the four-stroke version.

Year 5 needs M?

Yes — the curriculum specifies up to 1000, and dates (e.g. 2025 = MMXXV) are common practice.