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What is the Roman numeral for 40?
A. XL
B. LX
C. XXXX
D. CD
Correct Answer Is Option = XL
Notes / Explanation
The Roman numeral for the number forty is written as XL, and this provides a good example of the subtraction rule used in the ancient Roman system of writing numbers. In the Roman system, certain letters stand for particular values, with a letter for ten and a letter for fifty among the basic letters, and numbers are written by combining these letters according to fixed rules of addition and subtraction. Generally, when a letter of smaller value is placed after a letter of larger or equal value, the values are added together, but when a letter of smaller value is placed before a letter of larger value, the smaller value is subtracted from the larger. The number forty is written using this subtraction rule, by placing the letter for ten before the letter for fifty, so that the ten is subtracted from the fifty, giving fifty minus ten, which is forty, and this is written as XL. This is more compact and is the correct form according to the rules of the system, rather than writing the letter for ten four times. The subtraction rule is used in a number of cases in the Roman system to avoid repeating a letter too many times, and it applies to particular combinations, such as placing the letter for ten before the letter for fifty to make forty, or before the letter for one hundred to make ninety, and similarly with other letters, such as placing the letter for one before the letter for five to make four, or before the letter for ten to make nine. Understanding this rule is important for reading and writing Roman numerals correctly. The Roman numerals were used throughout the time of Roman rule and long afterwards, and although they have largely been replaced for calculation by the modern system of digits, they survive in many uses today, such as on clocks, in the names of rulers and popes, in the numbering of chapters and events, and in dates on buildings. Knowing the basic letters and the rules for combining them, including the subtraction rule, makes it possible to read and write Roman numerals. For PPSC and other competitive examinations, the key points to remember are that the Roman numeral for forty is XL, that this uses the subtraction rule by placing the letter for ten before the letter for fifty so that ten is subtracted from fifty, that the subtraction rule is used to avoid repeating a letter too many times, and that it applies to particular combinations such as forty, ninety, four and nine.
