Step 1 Roman numerals to 1,000
Rules
Add when a smaller numeral comes after a larger one
If a smaller number comes after a bigger one, you add it.
Example:
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VI = 5 + 1 = 6
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XV = 10 + 5 = 15
Subtract when a smaller numeral comes before a larger one
If a smaller number comes before a bigger one, you subtract it.
Example:
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IV = 5 − 1 = 4
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IX = 10 − 1 = 9
You can only subtract I from V or X, X from L or C, and C from D or M.
To pass this step, you must understand the following:
1. Recognise and use key Roman numerals up to 1,000
They should know these values by heart:
| Roman | Value |
|---|---|
| I | 1 |
| V | 5 |
| X | 10 |
| L | 50 |
| C | 100 |
| D | 500 |
| M | 1,000 |
2. Understand and apply the main rules (see previous answer):
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Add when a smaller numeral follows a bigger one: e.g. VI = 6
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Subtract when a smaller numeral is before a bigger one: e.g. IV = 4
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No symbol repeated more than 3 times in a row
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V, L, and D are never repeated
3. Be able to read and write numbers in Roman numerals
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Up to M (1,000)
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Including common values like XIV (14), XL (40), XC (90), CD (400), CM (900)
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Write dates like MMXXV = 2025
4. Use Roman numerals in real-life examples
They should be able to:
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Understand clock faces with Roman numerals
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Read Roman numerals in book chapters, movie titles, monarch names (e.g. King Henry VIII)
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Read years in Roman numerals (e.g. MCMXCIX = 1999)
