Roman numerals · Usually met around P3
Roman numerals VI to X
An I after adds; an I before takes away.
How to do it
Method
An I after adds; an I before takes away
VIII = 5 + 3 = 8; IX = 10 − 1 = 9
Another way
Count on from V
VII: from V (5) count on 2 → 7
In full
V is 5. An I written after the V adds: VI = 5 + 1 = 6, VII = 5 + 2 = 7, VIII = 5 + 3 = 8. X is 10. 9 is not VIIII but IX: the I before the X means one less than 10, 10 − 1 = 9, just as IV is one less than 5. So when you read one, see which side of the bigger letter the I is on: after it adds, before it takes away. Another way: count on from V. VI, VII and VIII each add one more I; next comes IX, then X.
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: 6，5，7
V is 5, plus one for each I after it: left to right, 6, 5, 7.
Example 2
The tablets count on in Roman numerals, 1 more each time. What number does “?” stand for?
Show the answer and working
Answer: 8
After VIII comes IX (one less than 10, so 9), then X (10). “?” is 8.
Example 3
What does the Roman numeral on the tablet stand for?
- A. 9
- B. 7
- C. 8
- D. 10
Choose the right answer
Show the answer and working
Answer: C. 8
The tablet shows 8: an I after the V or X adds, an I before it takes away.
Practise it in the game →Roman numerals · Free to start, unlimited questions, no download