> I have found a reference which has some rules for constructing
> roman numerals.
Any reference identification ?
> Firstly, four of a given numeral is okay, but five or more is
> not. This allows VIIII to be valid.
Depending on the source - the quad form (up to 4 repeeted
Numerals) is only valid in a context where the subtraction
rule is _not_ allowed
> You must use the largest numeral at a given stage, so for 15,
> you don't write VVV, you write XV.
check
> Numerals of a lower value, when written in front of a higher
> valued numeral subtract their value from the higher valued
> numeral.
check
> Further rules for the subtraction:
> o Only I X and C can be used in this way. V, L and D
> cannot (nor can M)
maybe check
http://www.geocities.com/~source00/cpp-roman.htm
where this rule described diferently - also his
second rule is confusing.
> o Only one smaller numeral can be written first. So
> XIIX is not valid for 18.
debending on the context again, there are examples of historic
usage of this form - althrough all rules/frameworks of rules I
know also prohibit this.
> o The lower numeral must be no less than a tenth of the
> value of the higher numeral.
I'm still missing this rule
> o It specifically states that each power of ten is handled
> separately, and uses the example that 49 is NOT IL, it is
> correctly XLIX.
Check maybe
http://rcswww.urz.tu-dresden.de/~wegehenk/typo/roemisch.html
It is discusion for typographic usage (and in German, but the
point should be easy to get).
Always remember, The roman system was made to save space - engraving
less strokes is important (good examples are always coins and officia
letters - or can you dechipher IMP CAES PONT MAX TR P C P P ? (*))
One thing to add: the Rule where 4 adjouning Numerals are prohibited
wasn't hard until the 6th century (maybe it didnt exist ?).
(*) Imperator Caesar Ponifex Maximus Tribunicia Potestate Consul Pater Patriae
as found on very common Augustus (Octavius) denars - and to enhance the
task, the letters are not as nice seperated as I have written them :)
Gruss
H.
Also nice page at
http://olympiads.win.tue.nl/acm-arch/ProblemSetArchive/B_VV_Asian/1995/probf.html
They did almost the same as we - just the problem discription was a bit better.
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Received on Wed Apr 21 1999 - 16:57:00 BST