What is 1997 in Roman Numerals?

Answer 1

MDCCCCLXXXXVII (1997) or VMMII (2002-5) Take note that 1997 in Roman numerals is not MCMXCVII as you might have expected. Alternative answer Despite what the answer above indicates the generally accepted form of writing 1997 in Roman numerals is MCMXCVII. Roman numerals are read from left to right and always start with the highest value symbol. MCMXCVII (1000 + 900 + 90 + 5 + 2) and the unweildy and seldom used MDCCCCLXXXXVII (1000 + 500 + 400 + 50 + 40 + 5 + 2) both comply with this rule. The alternative mentioned in the first answer, VMMII (5 less than 2002) begins with the symbol for 5, which is obviously not the highest value symbol in the numeral. Also, according to the website Algebra.com... V may preceed X and L but should not be placed in front of any higher value symbol. Clearly placing V before M is in clear breach of this rule.