Roman numerals

Mathematics · Number Representation & Place Value · ages 8-9

Name ______________________ Date ____________

What does X stand for?
- 5
- 50
- 100
- 10
What does V stand for?
- 50
- 100
- 5
- 10
What number does the Roman numeral V stand for?
- 3
- 5
- 10
Roman numerals have a symbol for zero, just like our number system does.
Circle one: True False
Ren says Roman numerals have no symbol for zero. Is Ren right?
Circle one: True False
Convert IX to a number. Type your answer.
Answer: ______________
What is XLIV as an ordinary number?
- 44
- 46
- 64
- 54
C is 100. How much is XC?
Answer: ______________
Ben wrote IL for 49. What is the correct Roman numeral for 49?
- XLIX
- IL
- LIX
Dee says Roman numerals use place value just like our numbers. Is Dee right?
Circle one: True False

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

10 · X stands for 10.
5 · V stands for 5.
5 · V always stands for 5, no matter where it appears.
False · Roman numerals never had a zero. They only combine letters like I, V, X, L, and C.
True · Ren is right: Romans had no zero and no place value system.
9 · I comes before X, so subtract: 10 - 1 = 9.
44 · 44 is right: XL is 40 and IV is 4.
90 · XC is 100 - 10 = 90.
XLIX · I can only come before V or X, never before L, so IL is not allowed. 49 is XL (40) plus IX (9): XLIX.
False · Dee is wrong: Roman value comes from adding and subtracting letters, not places.