Roman numerals are a system of numerical notation that originated in ancient Rome and remained in use in Europe until the late 14th century. Roman numerals are based on seven basic symbols:
* I represents 1
* V represents 5
* X represents 10
* L represents 50
* C represents 100
* D represents 500
* M represents 1,000
To write a number in Roman numerals, simply add the appropriate symbols together. For example, the number 13 is written as XIII, which is equivalent to 10 + 3. The number 39 is written as XXXIX, which is equivalent to 30 + 9.
Roman numerals can be used to represent any number, but they are not as efficient as Arabic numerals. For example, the number 1,000 can be written as M, but it can also be written as CMXCIX, which is equivalent to 900 + 90 + 9. This makes Roman numerals difficult to read and write, especially for large numbers.
Despite their drawbacks, Roman numerals are still used in some contexts today. They are often used on clocks and watches, as well as on coins and medals. They are also used in some legal documents and historical texts.