MMCCCXCVIII - DCLXXXIV - MMCMLVI - MCXLVIII - MDCVI: Effortlessly Subtract Roman Numerals With the Online Calculator. The Romans Performed Calculations Without Relying on Modern Hindu-Arabic Numerals
Do we use Arabic numerals below?
- The Romans did not have the numbers we use everyday, the so called Arabic numbers.
- They were using Roman numerals for making addition and subtraction calculations.
- Solve the mathematical operation of subtraction like the Romans were calculating, without using Arabic numbers
- Steps and explanations below, without using any Arabic numbers.
-
1. Simplify the operation.
Cross out the common symbols in the numerals of different signs.
The matching numerals / symbols are colored the same.
MMCCCXCVIII - DCLXXXIV - MMCMLVI - MCXLVIII - MDCVI =
XC - DLXXXIV - CML - MXLVI - MDVI
2. Substitute for subtractives.
Substitute for any subtractive groups of symbols in the roman numerals; that is, 'uncompact' them using only the additive notation.
XC:
XC = C - X = L XXXXX - X = L XXXX = LXXXX
XC = LXXXX
DLXXXIV:
IV = V - I = IIIII - I = IIII
DLXXXIV = DLXXXIIII
CML:
CM = M - C = D CCCCC - C = D CCCC = DCCCC
CML = DCCCCL
MXLVI:
XL = L - X = XXXXX - X = XXXX
MXLVI = MXXXXVI
3. Put the Roman numerals of the same sign together.
Catenate the negative numerals together:
DLXXXIIII +
DCCCCL +
MXXXXVI +
MDVI =
DLXXXIIIIDCCCCLMXXXXVIMDVI
4. Sort out the symbols in descending order.
Sort out the symbols in descending order from left-to-right with the largest symbol on the left, down to the smallest on the right.
Sort out the symbols of the negative numerals:
DLXXXIIIIDCCCCLMXXXXVIMDVI =
MMDDDCCCCLLXXXXXXXVVIIIIII
5. Cross out (remove) any symbols occurring in both strings.
LXXXX -
MMDDDCCCCLLXXXXXXXVVIIIIII =
- MMDDDCCCCLXXXVVIIIIII
The Romans 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.
6. Merge the repeating symbols together.
Starting on the right end of the number (starting with the smaller values), merge the repeating symbols into larger ones.
MMDDDCCCCLXXXVVIIIIII =
MMDDDCCCCLXXXVVIIIII I =
MMDDDCCCCLXXXVVVI =
MMDDDCCCCLXXXVVVI =
MMDDDCCCCLXXXVV VI =
MMDDDCCCCLXXXXVI =
MMDDDCCCCLXXXXVI =
MMDD DCCCCLXXXXVI =
MMMDCCCCLXXXXVI
7. Rewrite the recurring symbols.
Rewrite the symbols written in 'excessive additive notation' by using the subtractive notation.
The numeral C should not be repeated for more than 3 times in a row, rewrite:
MMMDCCCCLXXXXVI =
MMMCMLXXXXVI
The numeral X should not be repeated for more than 3 times in a row, rewrite:
MMMCMLXXXXVI =
MMMCMXCVI
MMCCCXCVIII - DCLXXXIV - MMCMLVI - MCXLVIII - MDCVI =
- MMMCMXCVI
The operation written with Arabic numerals:
2,398 - 684 - 2,956 - 1,148 - 1,606 = -3,996
The Romans did not have the numbers we use everyday, the so called Arabic numbers.
The Romans did not have the concept of negativity with their numeral system.
Roman numerals addition and subtraction, online calculator