Roman numerals · Usually met around P3
Roman numerals I to V
Count the I's; V is 5.
How to do it
Method
Count the I's; V is 5
III = 1 + 1 + 1 = 3; IV = 5 − 1 = 4
Another way
Count on
I, II, III, IV, V: IV comes between III and V → 4
In full
Roman numerals are the numbers the ancient Romans used: letters stand for numbers. I is like one finger and stands for 1; two of them, II, stand for 2; three, III, for 3: as many I's as the number. V is like an open hand and stands for 5. 4 is not IIII but IV: an I before the V means one less than 5, 5 − 1 = 4. Another way is to count on: I, II, III, IV, V are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, so IV comes between III and V.
Worked examples
Have a go first, then open each one for the answer and the working.
Example 1
From left to right, the three tablets show □, □ and □.
Fill in each box
Show the answer and working
Answer: 3，1，2
As many I's as the number: I is 1, II is 2, III is 3; V is 5. Left to right: 3, 1, 2.
Example 2
The Roman numeral on this tablet stands for 6.
True or false?
Show the answer and working
Answer: False
Count the I's, and V is 5: the tablet shows 5.
Example 3
Of the numbers on the two tablets, what is the bigger one?
Show the answer and working
Answer: 3
Read both first: 1 and 3, so the bigger is 3. More letters is not always bigger: III has three letters but is less than V.
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