102 LearnersLast updated on June 26th, 2025
Roman Numerals 1 to 10
Roman Numerals are the symbols derived from Latin letters used by Romans for daily transactions and counting purposes. In this topic, we will learn how to write Roman Numerals and their uses.
Roman Numerals 1 to 10
Roman Numerals use symbols to represent number systems. Ancient Romans used the letters I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent their number system. The unavailability of zero at that time and the lack of other mathematical operations made Roman Numerals obsolete in recent times. For example, we write 7 as VII.
Roman Numbers 1 to 10 Chart
Roman numbers are used today in clocks, chapters in books, classrooms, etc. The following chart helps us to understand the numerals better.
List of Roman Numerals 1 to 10
The list of Roman Numerals provides an organized way to understand how those letters combine to represent a number. The given list starts from I (1) to X (10). Learning these numerals helps you in a deeper understanding of the numerical system. Roman Numerals from 1 to 10
How to Write Roman Numerals 1 to 10
Roman Numerals rely on specific symbols, and it has rules of addition and subtraction.
The basic symbols in Roman Numerals are:
I = 1
V = 5
X = 10
Using the above symbols, we can combine the Roman Numerals for the numbers easily. There are two basic methods of writing Roman Numerals, they are
- By Expansion Method
- By Grouping Method
By Expansion Method:
Through the expansion method, we break down the numbers into ones and then convert them into numerals.
Step 1: Break the numbers into ones.
Step 2: Write Roman Numerals for each part.
Step 3: Combine all the parts to get the numerals.
Example: For the number 9.
Step 1: Break the numbers 5 + 4 = 9
Step 2: Add Roman Numerals for each part
The Roman Numeral of 5 is V.
The Roman Numeral of 4 is IV.
Step 3: Combine all the parts 5 (V) + 4 (IV) = IX.
Therefore, the Roman Numeral of 9 is IX.
By Grouping Method:
Grouping method directly from the number by combining Roman Numeral symbols directly. It uses addition and subtraction rules.
Step 1: Start writing numerals for the largest number.
Step 2: Smaller numbers are either getting added or subtracted.
Following the rule of adding and subtraction is mandatory.
Addition: smaller numeral after the larger numeral.
Subtraction: smaller numeral before the large numeral.
Example: For the number 6.
Step 1: Start with the larger numbers.
While splitting, we will get 5 and 1
The Roman Numeral of 5 is V
Step 2: Add or subtract the smaller number If we add 1 to 5 it will become 6.
The Roman Numeral of 1 is I
Therefore, the Roman Numeral of 6 is VI.
Rules for Writing Roman Numerals 1 to 10
Roman Numerals follow rules to make sure the number is written correctly. Here are some main rules given below
- Rule 1: Addition Method
- Rule 2: Repetition Method
- Rule 3: Subtraction Method
Rule 1: Addition Method:
In Roman Numerals, if the smaller numeral comes after the large numeral, then we need to add their values.
Example: If the given number is VI. We can see that the number V refers to 5 and the other number refers to 1. So in this, the smaller numeral is after the large numeral, so we need to add the 5 and 1 to get the value 6.
Rule 2: Repetition Method:
The Roman Numeral can be repeated up to three times to increase its value. The numbers cannot be repeated after three times. Only symbols like I, X, C, and M can be repeated and V, L, and D cannot be repeated.
Example: III = 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 repeating the numeral I for the fourth time is not allowed.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method:
If the smaller numeral comes before the large numeral, then we need to subtract the smaller numeral from the larger numeral to get the number. There are three rules in subtraction, they are, I can be subtracted from V and X.
Example: In the number IX. Here, X is the biggest numeral and I is the smallest numeral. As we see that the smaller numeral is before the larger numeral, we need to subtract to get the number. X (10) - I (1) = IX (9).
Tips and Tricks in Number Names 1 to 10
Roman Numerals are fun to learn and easy to write when you know the following tips and tricks.
- Memorize the basic symbols like I (1), V (5), and X (10), to write and read the other numerals easily.
- Always break the big numerals into smaller parts to make it easier to read and write.
- Remember the repetition rule, a number should not be added more than three times.
- Practice the smaller numerals and gradually move to the bigger values. We use numerals in clocks, classrooms, etc., and try to read from the numeral clock to make numerals easy to learn.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in Roman Numerals 1 to 10
It is easy to make mistakes while learning Roman Numerals, but using the following mistakes and the ways to avoid them can help you to avoid those mistakes.
Mistake 1
Repeating numerals more than three times
Writing numerals more than three times results in mistakes. Children will add it more than three times.
For example, writing IV like IIII by mistake.
Mistake 2
Confusing addition and subtraction rule
Kids might get confused with addition and subtraction rules. Instead of adding the number, they might end up subtracting and vice versa. Always remember that a smaller numeral before a larger numeral is subtracted, and a smaller numeral after a larger numeral is added.
For example, instead of writing IX (9) some children might add the smaller numeral and write it as XI (11).
Mistake 3
Incorrect expansion of numbers
Breaking the numerals incorrectly will lead to mistakes. Double-check the numerals with the numbers to make sure it is split correctly.
For example, expanding 7 instead of writing it as 5 + 2, they may write it as 5 + 1 + 1 which gives incorrect numerals. VII instead of VIII.
Mistake 4
Forgetting the Value of Each Symbol
At times, the values of the given symbols can be confusing.
For example, V is 5, but if V is confused as 10, then the whole answer becomes different.
Mistake 5
Improper Order of Writing the Symbols
We will have to write the symbols in the correct order. This will lead to wrong answers.
For example, when writing VI as IV, like instead of writing the larger numeral first, children make these mistakes.
Roman Numerals 1 to 10 Examples
Problem 1
Write the Roman Numerals for 8 using the breakdown method.
The Roman Numeral of 8 is VIII.
Explanation
Step 1: Break the numbers into fives and ones. 8 = 5 + 3
Step 2: Add numerals to each part.
The Roman Numeral of 5 is V.
The Roman Numeral of 3 is III.
Step 3: Combine the parts 5 (V) + 3 (III) = VIII (8).
Problem 2
Add IV + III.
VII
Explanation
Adding IV (4) and III (3) = VII (7).
Problem 3
Subtract X - VI.
IV
Explanation
X = 10
VI = 6
10 - 6 = 4 = IV.
Problem 4
Write the Roman Numeral of 10.
X
Explanation
The Roman Numeral of 10 is X.
Problem 5
Add 5 + 2 and write the answer in Roman Numeral.
VII.
Explanation
5 + 2 = 7
V + II = VII.
FAQs on Roman Numerals 1 to 10
1.What is 10 in Roman Numerals?
2.Write the Roman Numerals from 1 to 10.
3.What number is V?
4.What is the number X?
5.Write 6 in Roman Numerals.
6.How can children in Canada use numbers in everyday life to understand Roman Numerals 1 to 10?
7.What are some fun ways kids in Canada can practice Roman Numerals 1 to 10 with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and Roman Numerals 1 to 10 play in helping children in Canada develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in Canada create number-rich environments to improve Roman Numerals 1 to 10 skills?
Important Glossaries for Roman Numerals 1 to 10
- Breaking Numbers: It is the process of splitting a larger number into smaller parts. For example, for 9, we can divide as 5 + 4.
- Repetition: Using the same symbols more than once. For example, III.
- Numerical System: The numbers, used in ancient Rome, used Latin letters rather than digits. For example, I, II, III, etc.
- Addition: Adding smaller values to larger ones. For example, VI (5 + 1).
- Subtraction: Placing a smaller numeral before a larger one to subtract it. For example, IV (5 - 1).
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
