IV Roman Numerals

IV Roman numerals represent the number 4. In the Roman numeral system, values ​​are written using the letters of the Latin alphabet I, V, X, L, C, D and M. Roman numerals are formed by combining these letters using specific addition and subtraction rules.

The numeral IV is a classic example of subtraction notation, where a smaller numeral (I = 1) is placed before a larger one (V = 5). This indicates 5 – 1 = 4. Understanding IV helps learners understand how Roman numerals apply subtraction logic to create compact representations. You can often see IV used on clock faces, movie release years and book chapter numbers.

Table of Contents

How to Write "IV" Roman Numerals in Numbers?

In Roman numerals:

  • I = 1

  • V = 5

When a smaller number (I) comes before a larger number (V), subtract the smaller number from the larger number.
So IV = 5 – 1 = 4.

Number

Expanded Form

Roman Numeral Expression

Final Roman Numeral

1

1

I

I

2

1 + 1

I + I

II

3

1 + 1 + 1

I + I + I

III

4

5 – 1

V – I

IV

5

5

V

V

6

5 + 1

V + I

VI

7

5 + 2

V + II

VII

8

5 + 3

V + III

VIII

9

10 – 1

X – I

IX

Basic Rules for Writing Roman Numerals

To write IV and other Roman numerals correctly, remember these simple rules:

1. Subtraction notation:

When a smaller numeral is placed before a larger number, subtract the smaller number.

Example: IV = 5 – 1 = 4

2. Additive notation:

When a smaller numeral is followed by a larger one, add the values.

Example: VI = 5 + 1 = 6

3. Repetition rule:

The numerals I, X, C, and M can be repeated up to three times in succession.

4. Non-repeating symbols:

The symbols V, L, and D are never repeated.

5. Descending order rule:

Write the numerals from largest to smallest without using subtraction notation.

Solved Examples

Example 1:

Question: Write 4 in Roman numerals.

Solution:

  • V = 5, I = 1

  • When I is placed before V, subtract it: 5 - 1 = 4

  • Roman numerals = IV

Example 2:

Question: Convert 6 to Roman numerals.

Solution:

  • 6 = 5 + 1

  • V = 5, I = 1

  • Roman numerals = VI

Example 3:

Question: Write 14 in Roman numerals.

Solution:

  • 14 = 10 + 4

  • 10 = X, 4 = IV

  • Roman numerals = XIV

Example 4:

Question: What is the value of XLIV in numbers?

Solution:

  • XL = 40, IV = 4

  • 40 + 4 = 44

  • Value = 44

Example 5:

Question: Add III (3) and I (1). Write the sum in Roman numerals.

Solution:

  • III + I = 3 + 1 = 4

  • Roman numerals = IV

Practice Questions

1. Write 4 in Roman numerals.

2. What number comes after IV in Roman numerals?

3. Write the next five numbers after IV in Roman numerals.

4. If IV = 4, then what is XIV equal to?

5. Write the subtraction form used to create IV.

Conclusion

The Roman numeral IV represents the number 4 and clearly demonstrates the subtraction principle in Roman numerals. This shows that when a smaller numeral comes before a larger one, the smaller is subtracted from the larger.

Understanding IV helps learners decode other similar numerals such as IX (9), XL (40), and XC (90). Roman numerals such as IV continue to appear in clock dials, movie credits, and ancient inscriptions, preserving a link to historical numbering systems.

FAQs on IV Roman Numerals

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

Answer: In Roman numerals, IV is equal to 4. This follows the subtraction rule: V(5) – I(1) = 4.

2. How do you write 4 with Roman numerals?

Answer: 4 is written as IV, where the I is placed before the V, showing subtraction.

3. Which numbers come before and after IV in Roman numerals?

Answer: 

  • The numeral before IV (4) is III (3).

  • The numeral after IV (4) is V (5).

4. Can the symbol V be repeated in Roman numerals?

Answer: The symbols V, L, and D are never repeated. Each is used only once to avoid confusion.

5. How can I easily remember the value of IV?

Answer: Remember that IV means "1 before 5", which equals 4. This rule also applies to other numerals, such as IX (9) and XL (40).

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