How to Write IV In Roman Numerals

IV Roman Numerals represent the number 4. Roman numerals are one of the oldest number systems, created using letters from the Latin alphabet. Each letter represents a fixed value, and combining them allows us to form different numbers.

In this guide, we will learn how to write IV in Roman Numerals, understand the rules applied, and solve examples to make learning simple and fun.

 

Table of Contents

• How to Write IV Roman Numerals?
• Basic Rules to Write Roman Numerals
• Solved Examples on IV Roman Numerals
• Conclusion
• FAQs on IV Roman Numerals

 

How to Write IV In Roman Numerals?

Writing 4 in Roman numerals is easy once you realize the rule of subtraction in Roman numerals.

The digit 4 is only 1 less than 5. In Roman numerals, V represents 5, and I represents 1. To represent "1 less than 5," we write I before V; thus, we have IV

Thus, 4 = 5 - 1 → IV.

So, IV Roman Numerals = 4.

It's also worth noting that we never express 4 as IIII in regular Roman numerals because the rule of subtraction makes IV the proper form.

Whenever a smaller numeral comes before a larger numeral, it is always subtracted. This rule applies to IV, IX (9), XL (40), XC (90), and so on. Understanding this rule makes it easy to write Roman numerals correctly.

 

Basic Rules of Roman Numerals

• Addition Rule: If the smaller numeral follows a larger one, add the numbers.
  Example: VI = 5 + 1 = 6

• Subtraction Rule: If a smaller numeral precedes a larger one, subtract the numbers.
  Example: IV = 5 - 1 = 4

• Repetition Rule: Symbols I, X, C, and M may be repeated a maximum of 3 times.
  Example: III = 3, XXX = 30

• Non-Repeating Symbols: V (5), L (50), and D (500) cannot be repeated.

• Limited Subtraction:

• I can be subtracted only from V and X

• X can be subtracted only from L and C

• C can be subtracted only from D and M

By following these rules, you can easily write numbers like 4 (IV), 9 (IX), or 14 (XIV) without confusion.

 

Solved Examples on IV Roman Numerals

Example 1: Convert 4 into Roman numerals.

Solution:

We know that 4 is one less than 5.

So, 4 = 5 − 1.

In Roman numerals, 5 is V and 1 is I.

Writing I before V gives us IV.

Therefore, 4 in Roman numerals = IV.

 

Example 2: What should be added to I to obtain V?

Solution:

We know that V = 5 and I = 1.

To find the missing value: 5 − 1 = 4.

Now, 4 in Roman numerals is IV.

So, I + IV = V.

 

Example 3: Convert VI − II into Roman numerals.

Solution:

We know that VI = 6 and II = 2.

Subtracting: 6 − 2 = 4.

Now, 4 in Roman numerals is IV.

So, VI − II = IV.

 

Example 4: Write the sum of II + II in Roman numerals.

Solution:

We know that II = 2.

So, II + II = 2 + 2 = 4.

Now, 4 in Roman numerals is IV.

Therefore, II + II = IV.

 

Example 5: Find the difference between IX and V.

Solution:

We know that IX = 9 and V = 5.

Subtracting: 9 − 5 = 4.

Now, 4 in Roman numerals is IV.

So, IX − V = IV.

 

Conclusion

The Roman numeral for the number 4 is IV. Roman numerals use letters such as I, V, and X to denote values. Since 4 = 5 - 1, it is written as IV. By understanding the subtraction rule, students can easily extend this to other numbers like 9 (IX) or 14 (XIV). With regular practice, reading and writing Roman numerals becomes quick and easy.

 

Frequently Asked Questions on IV Roman Numerals

1. What is the value of IV in Roman numerals?

Answer: The Roman numeral IV equals 4. This is because I (1) is placed before V (5), indicating subtraction: 5 − 1 = 4.

 

2. Why is 4 written as IV and not IIII?

Answer: In Roman numerals, the subtractive notation is used to avoid repetition. Instead of writing four I's (IIII), IV is used to represent 4, following the rule that placing a smaller numeral before a larger one indicates subtraction.

 

3. How do you convert IV to a number?

Answer: To convert IV to a number:

I = 1

V = 5

Since I precedes V, subtract 1 from 5: 5 − 1 = 4.

 

4. Is IV used in modern times?

Answer: Yes, IV is still used today in various contexts, such as clock faces, book chapters, movie sequels, and historical documents, to maintain tradition and continuity.

Keep learning about Roman Numerals like IV and other maths concepts at Orchids The International School.