Question 1

What are the basic Roman numeral symbols?

Accepted Answer

The seven basic Roman numeral symbols are: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, and M = 1000. All other numbers are formed by combining these symbols.

Question 2

How does subtractive notation work in Roman numerals?

Accepted Answer

When a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, it is subtracted. For example, IV = 4 (5 - 1), IX = 9 (10 - 1), XL = 40 (50 - 10), XC = 90 (100 - 10), CD = 400 (500 - 100), and CM = 900 (1000 - 100).

Question 3

What is the largest number you can write in Roman numerals?

Accepted Answer

Using standard notation, the largest number is 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX). Numbers above 3,999 historically used an overline (vinculum) to multiply by 1,000, but this notation is rarely used today.

Question 4

What is the current year in Roman numerals?

Accepted Answer

The year 2026 in Roman numerals is MMXXVI. M = 1000 (x2 = 2000), XX = 20, VI = 6.

Rule	Explanation
I, V, X, L, C, D, M	1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000
IV = 4	Smaller before larger = subtraction
VI = 6	Smaller after larger = addition
Max 3 in a row	III = 3, but 4 = IV (not IIII)
Range	1 (I) to 3,999 (MMMCMXCIX)

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