Math Magic Time!

How Do We Read Roman Numerals?

Let’s start with the basics. Here are some important blocks:

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

Now here’s the fun part: when smaller numbers stand before bigger ones, we subtract! Otherwise, we add. It’s like playing hopscotch—you jump forward to add or backward to take away.

For example:

• IV = 4 (I comes before V, so we subtract: 5 - 1 = 4)
• VI = 6 (I comes after V, so we add: 5 + 1 = 6)

Let’s Try Together!

What does XII mean?

We know X is 10, and II is 2. Since I comes after X, we add: 10 + 2 = 12. Yay! You solved it!

Tips for Superhero Parents 👩‍👧‍👦

Teaching kids Roman numerals can be super fun! Here’s how:

1. Use colorful flashcards with pictures of clocks or movie titles written in Roman numerals.
2. Play “Roman Numeral Detective”: Hide clues around the house using Roman numerals as hints.
3. Sing songs or chants about adding and subtracting. For example, “If I stands alone, it’s one—but if it goes before V, then four is the sum!”