: Roman Numerals

🎯 Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners should be able to:

• Identify and explain basic Roman numeral symbols and their values.
• Write numbers in Roman numerals up to 1,000.
• Apply the rules of Roman numeral notation (additive and subtractive).
• Convert between Roman numerals and Hindu-Arabic numerals.
• Recognise the use of Roman numerals in daily life.

🧠 Lesson Overview

Roman numerals were used in ancient Rome and are still seen today on clocks, book chapters, movies, and royal names.
This lesson explores the seven main symbols, how to read and write Roman numerals, and how to convert between numeral systems.

📚 Module 1: Introduction to Roman Numerals

Content Type: Video/Reading
Key Points:

• Roman numerals are based on letters: I, V, X, L, C, D, M.
• Each letter represents a specific value.
• The system is non-positional — values depend on symbol order, not place value.

Example Table:

🧩 Module 2: Rules for Writing Roman Numerals (15 minutes)

Content Type: Reading / Interactive Slide
Rules:

1. Repetition Rule: A symbol can be repeated up to three times.
   • III = 3, XXX = 30
2. Additive Rule: If a smaller numeral comes after a larger one, add the values.
   • VI = 6, XV = 15
3. Subtractive Rule: If a smaller numeral comes before a larger one, subtract it.
   • IV = 4, IX = 9
4. Zero: No symbol for zero exists in Roman numerals.

🧮 Module 3: Writing and Converting Numerals (20 minutes)

Content Type: Video + Worksheet

Examples:

• 29 → XXIX
• 78 → LXXVIII
• 246 → CCXLVI
• 1999 → MCMXCIX

Conversion Practice:

• 2024 → MMXXIV
• MCDXLV → 1445

Try these:
a. 76 → ?
b. 312 → ?
c. DCCCXC → ?

🕰️ Module 4: Real-Life Application (10 minutes)

Content Type: Reading / Activity
Roman numerals are used in:

• Clock faces (I–XII)
• Book chapters and outlines
• Monarch names (Queen Elizabeth II)
• Dates on monuments and films

Activity:
Write your birth year in Roman numerals.
Example: 2012 → MMXII

💬 Module 5: Lesson Recap (5 minutes)

Content Type: Reading / Discussion
Discussion Questions:

1. What is the value of “C”?
2. Write 400 in Roman numerals.
3. How would you write 99?
4. Why is there no zero in Roman numerals?