How to subtract the Roman numerals: LXXXVI - LXXI = ? Solve the mathematical operation of subtraction like the Romans were calculating, without using Hindu-Arabic numbers
Cross out the common symbols in the numerals of different signs.
The matching numerals / symbols are colored the same.
LXXXVI - LXXI = XV
The final answer:
LXXXVI - LXXI =
XV
The operation written with Hindu-Arabic numerals: 86 - 71 = 15
The Romans did not have the Hindu-Arabic numbers.
The Romans also did not have the concept of negativity with their numeral system.
What we now consider to be a negative number for them was just another number, for example a debt owned, which would rather be a plus on the creditor's account.
Roman numerals addition and subtraction, online calculator
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How to add and subtract Roman numerals the right way, like the Romans calculated, without the Hindu-Arabic numbers: steps and explanations
Let's learn with an example:
XC + MCMLIII + CCXIX - MCCXLVIII - XC = ?
The Romans did not have the Hindu-Arabic numbers. So we will solve out this operation exactly the way the Romans were calculating it, without using the Hindu-Arabic numbers.
1. Cancel the numerals having the same value but different signs.
The matching numerals / symbols are colored the same.
2. Cross out the common symbols in the numerals of different signs.
The matching numerals / symbols are colored the same.
MCMLIII + CCXIX - MCCXLVIII = CML + XIX - XLV;
When crossing out, do not mix the symbols in subtractive and additive groups.
For example, the numerals XI and IV:
XI is a group in additive notation - the largest symbol is to the left, down to the smallest to the right - to calculate the value of the group simply add up the values of the symbols in the group: XI = X + I = 10 + 1 = 11
IV is a group in subtractive notation - a smaller symbol precedes a larger one - to calculate the value of the group subtract the value of the first symbol from the value of the second: IV = V - I = 5 - 1 = 4
When subtracting the two numerals, XI - IV = (uncompact the subtractive) XI - IIII = X - III = VIIIII - III = VII (= 7), CORRECT. But if you cross out the common symbol regardless of the fact that it is part of a subtractive group: XI - IV = X - V = VV - V = V (= 5), WRONG.
3. Replace the groups in subtractive notation.
Replace any groups in subtractive notation in the roman numerals; that is, "uncompact" them using only the additive notation.
A group in subtractive notation = a group of two numerals, one of a lower value preceding another of larger value, the only allowed ones are: IV, IX, XL, XC, CD, CM, M(V), M(X), (X)(L), (X)(C), (C)(D), (C)(M) - to calculate the value of the group subtract the value of the first symbol from the value of the second.
A group in additive notation = a group of two or more numerals, of equal value or sorted in descending order of their value, from high to low, the largest symbol to the left, down to the smallest to the right - to calculate the value of the group add up the values of all the symbols.
CML: CM = M - C = D CCCCC - C = D CCCC = DCCCC; CML = DCCCCL;
XIX: IX = X - I = V IIIII - I = V IIII = VIIII; XIX = XVIIII;
XLV: XL = L - X = XXXXX - X = XXXX; XLV = XXXXV;
4. Put the Roman numerals of the same sign together.
Catenate the positive numerals together.
DCCCCL + XVIIII = DCCCCLXVIIII;
5. Cross out (remove) any symbols occurring in both strings.
DCCCCLXVIIII - XXXXV = DCCCCLIIII - XXX;
6. Using the additive notation, convert larger symbols to smaller ones and cross out the common symbols.
The larger symbol that will be converted to additive notation: L = XXXXX;