Question

Why is the Roman Numeral for 140 CXL? I thought it would be XCL? Because with CXL. 100+10+50=160 not 140. But with XCL. 100-10+50=140.

Answer 1

Think of it as getting to 100 first, or C. Then we get to 40, or XL. So counting to 100 in roman numerals you get to C first than tack on the 40 with XL.

Answer 2

Oh I get it. So I need to pay attention to the roman numerals that can create who knew number when put together?

Answer 3

Pretty much, it's kind of like building blocks and when you see XC that means 90, but when C is first, that's 100+

Answer 4

This stressing me out. Ok. Can u give me an example of one to do?

Answer 5

So like with LXXlV. Sense the I is in front of the V I subtract it to add 4 to 70 to get 74?

Answer 6

@Benji

Answer 7

You know the 'natural order' increasing
I V X L C D M

if a number is out of its sequence then it is SUBTRACTED

so in 140

X is out of order so it is subtracted from L

Answer 8

IV = 4

but

VI = 6

Answer 9

Give me an example of one?

Answer 10

Like VX would equal 5?

Answer 11

@MrNood

Answer 12

@Benji

Answer 13

Why do you believe VX = 5? V represents 5.

Answer 14

Oh I see why you would think so, the order of roman numerals is very important, just because you put X after V does not mean subtract 5 from 10. You have to think of how they are being placed, V = 5 X = 10 and XV = 15

Answer 15

@igster1112
Some simple reading and research will give you the chance to LEARN and undersatand this fairly simple set of rules.

Start here:

https://www.math.nmsu.edu/~pmorandi/math111f01/RomanNumerals.html