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Q12 REPRESENTATIONS

The seven basic symbols in a certain numeral system and their respective values are as follows:

I=1, V=5, X= 10, L=50, C=100, D = 500 and M = 1000

In general, the symbols in the numeral system are read from left to right, starting with the symbol representing the largest value; the same symbol cannot occur continuously more than three times; the value of the numeral is the sum of the values of the symbols. For example, XXVII = 10+10+5+1+1 =27. An exception to the left-to-right reading occurs when a symbol is followed immediately by a symbol of greater value; then the smaller value is subtracted from the larger. For example, XLVI = (50-10)+5+1=46.

Which of the following represent the numeral for 1995?

I.MCMLXXV II. MCMXCV III MVD IV. MVM

a. Only I and II

b. Only III and IV

c. Only II and IV

d. Only IV

I=1, V = 5, X= 10, L= 50, C= 100, D = 500, and M = 1000

1. MCMLXXV = 1000+ (1000-100) + 50 + 10 +10+5

= 1000+ 900 + 75

= 1975

2. MCMXCV = 1000+ (1000-100) + (100-10)+5

= 1000+ 900 + 90 + 5