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Today we would convert the above numbers into Roman numerals as (CMXCIX)DCLXVI and (DCLXVI)CMXCIX respectively but to perform any arithmetical operations with these numerals arranged in in this way is almost an impossibility.

However, the Romans themselves probably wrote and calculated them in the following manner:-

(IM)DCLXVI = 1000*(-1+1000)+666 = 999666

I(DCLXVI)M = -1+1000*666+1000 = 666999

Addition: (IM)DCLXVI + I(DCLXVI)M = (MDCLXVI)DCLXV = 1,666,665

Subtraction: (MDCLXVI)DCLXV - I(DCLXVI)M = (IM)DCLXVI = 999,666

Today's rules governing the Roman numeral system were modified in the Middle Ages presumably so that they could be easily compared to the new system of Hindu-Arabic numerals that were gradually being introduced into Western Europe.

Key: M=1000, D=500, C=100, L=50, X=10, V=5, I=1

Note that numerals enclosed in brackets indicate multiplication by a thousand.

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14y ago

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