Name __________________________________
Period__________________
Roman Numerals
The traditional numbering system we use every day is referred to as Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…). In health
care, it is necessary to know Roman numerals, because they are used for some medications, solutions,
and ordering systems. When using Roman numerals, remember the following key points:

All numbers can be expressed by using seven key numerals:
I=1
V=5
X = 10
L = 50
C = 100
D = 500
M = 1000
ss = one half

If a smaller numeral is placed in front of a larger numeral, the smaller numeral is
subtracted from the larger numeral. For example:
IV = 4 The 1 is placed before the 5, so it is subtracted (5 – 1 = 4)

If a smaller numeral is placed after a larger numeral, the smaller numeral is added to the
larger numeral. For example:
VI = 6 The 1 is placed after the 5, so it is added (5 + 1 = 6)

When the same numeral is placed next to itself, it is added. For example:
III = 3 (1 + 1 + 1 = 3)
XX = 20 (10 + 10 = 20)
IXX = 19 (10 – 1 + 10 = 19) OR (10 + 10 – 1 = 19)

The same numeral is not placed next to itself more than three times. For example:
XXX = 30
XL = 40 (NOT XXXX)

When Roman numerals are used with medication dosages, the lower case (i, v, x, l, c, d,
m) may be used rather than upper case (capital letters). For example:
ii = 2
iv = 4
ixx = 19
Real life example: A medical assistant orders MM pairs of gloves. (She orders 2,000 pairs of gloves)
Write Arabic numerals.
1. VIII = ______________
2. XV = _________________
3. IX = ______________
4. XXIX = ____________
5. MDCCCX = ___________
6. LXXVII = _________
7. DLIII = _____________
8. MMMCDXXI = __________
9. MCMLXIV = _______
Write Roman numerals.
10. 38 = _________________
11. 55 = _______________
12. 237 = _____________
13. 1,231 = _______________
14. 48 = _______________
15. 90 = _______________
16. 2,402 = _______________
17. 3,009 = ______________
18. 404 = _____________