Roman numerals

[lynbrown]

I cant recall how the roman numerals for the nineties looked. Was 1997 =MCMLXXXXVII ?

[dr pop]

Like this

MCMXCVII

[ulysses100]

mcmxcvii

[ulysses100]

Sorry dr pop your posting wasn't up -- but mine didn't appear in capitals !!

[dr pop]

no probs ulysses 100

[Phil7]

Interesting question - the numerals are basically additive with a need for a maximum of 3 equal symbols in a row. Above this you can have one subtractive symbol to the left of a larger symbol. (On some clocks this rule is violated with "IIX" for eight - this is incorrect and should be "VIII" always.) And then there is always another symbol for 5 times power of ten (V, L and D) until you get to thousands, for which you must keep going with as many "M"s as required.

Something like 1888 is 'orrible... = "MDCCCLXXXVIII"

There also seems to be a rule that the subtractive symbol must be only 1 power of ten less than its larger symbol to the right, but I can't find this rule written down.

e.g. 99 would be very convenient as "IC", but it actually is "XCIX", or 95 - not "VC" but "XCV".

Trivia: All possible symbols are "MDCLXVI" = 1666.

[Phil7]

Hey, ulysses100, your name could be ulyccC !!

[ulysses100]

Thanks Phil7 -- that may be a good handle for another site !!!