Roman numbers 1 to 50 – Rules and examples

Roman numbers 1 to 50

Roman numbers from 1 to 50 are given in this article. We will learn the basics of writing numbers in roman numerals

Roman numerals

Roman numerals are a system used by Romans to represent numbers in the form of letters.

The basic roman numerals and their corresponding numbers are given below.

Rules for writing numbers in roman numerals

1. When we repeat a symbol, the value of the symbol gets added.
Exception: We cannot repeat V, L and D. They can be written only once.

For e.g.
XX = 10 + 10 = 20
XXX = 10 + 10 + 10 = 30

2. The maximum limit for repeating a symbol is three.

3. If any roman number is written such that the value of the symbol on the left side is greater, then the value of the symbols gets added

For e.g.
XV = 10 + 5 = 15
XVI = 10 + 5 + 1 = 16

4. If any roman number is written such that the value of the symbol on the left side is smaller, then the value of the symbols gets subtracted.
For e.g.
XL = 50 – 10 = 40
IX = 10 – 1 = 9

5. The symbols V, L and D are never on the left of a bigger number. In other words, the values of V, L and D can never be subtracted from any bigger number.

The following tables show roman numbers 1 to 50

Solved Examples

1. Write 40 in roman number.

Solution:

Let us simplify 40 into separate numbers:

I. 40 = 10 + 10 + 10 + 10

In roman form, it will be XXXX.

But according to the rules, a symbol cannot be repeated more than three times. Hence this is not possible.

II. 40 = 50 – 10

In roman form, it will be XL.
It follows all the rules. Hence it is possible.

Hence 40 in roman number is XL.

2. What is the value of XLIX?

Solution:

X is smaller than L and is on the left side of L.

So, we have to subtract 10 from 50.

XL = 50 – 10 = 40

I is smaller than X and is on the left side of X.

Now, we have to subtract 1 from 10.

IX = 10 – 1 = 9

XL is greater than IX and is on the left side.

So, we have to add 40 and 9.

XLIX = (50 – 10) + (10 – 1) = 49

Hence the value of XLIX is equal to 49.