The number symbols we use every day are called Hindu-Arabic numerals as they originated in India. Roman numerals consist of notation of numerals used by the Romans in historic times. These are also termed Roman numbers.
Roman numbers consist of combinations of alphabets for particular digits.
Roman numbers like I (1), V (5), X(10), L (50), and C (100) act as bases for writing other numbers as other numbers are written by the combination of these Roman numbers.
For example : II (2), III (3), IV (4), VIII (8), IX (9), XII (12), XVIII (18), XL (40), LX (60), XCIX (99), etc.
Rules to write Roman numbers :
- Any symbol can be repeated maximum for 3 times like III (3), XXX (30), CC (200) or CCC (300).
- The letters D, L, and V are among a select few symbols in the Roman number system that are never repeated.
- When the symbol of lower value comes before the higher value symbol, it will be subtracted. For example IX = X – I = 9
Teaching Roman numerals with kid-friendly, clear, and easy-to-understand posters from Uncle Math School by Fun2Do Labs :
Ignite kids’ curiosity with engaging stories for role play and skits, making the learning of this concept an exciting and effective experience. Teaching Roman numerals through stories from Uncle Math School by Fun2Do Labs :
Learning roman numerals can be made enjoyable by incorporating interactive games and activities.
Board game :
- Take a chart paper and make a board game carrying Roman numerals I to XX.
- You can paste the Roman numbers I to VI on dice.
- Roll the dice over, and choose numbers as shown by it.
Matchsticks Fun :
- Take 6 matchsticks.
- Take these matchsticks and arrange them in the form of Roman numbers one by one.
- For example, take three matchsticks. Place one of these first to introduce the Roman numeral ‘I’.
- Likewise, you can ask the child to place the matchsticks next to the previous one to familiarize them with Roman numerals.
Help your kids practise Roman numerals with interesting and fun worksheets and solutions from Uncle Math by Fun2Do Labs.