Roman Numerals

X marks the spot if it’s V plus V
Or what XC needs to add up to C.
To the left of L or perhaps the right
There’s a difference some would consider slight.

Once the C’s add up, then it’s time for D
Which will last ‘til M’s a necessity.
Then it’s fun to challenge a boy whose path
May be one that follows the joys of math.

Placing X and I, L and M and C
To make sense brought smiles to both him and me
So we stopped at the point when I’d taught him plenty
And he knew MMXX was 2020!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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Rigoler Avatar
September 19, 2020 at 10:42 PM
I learned how to read (or decipher is the better word) in the first grade and I've never forgotten though math was never my favorite subject. I have friends for whom Roman numerals are Greek to them! Ancient Romans had no 0, for that we have the Arabs to thank. Thanks for stopping by. Maurice
Krutsinger Avatar
September 19, 2020 at 2:52 PM
I have to admit I have to print this one out because I used to know all of this, but had forgotten all but the X.
Wolf Avatar
September 13, 2020 at 6:44 PM
This is so well done... You've exposed how wacky the whole system is! Great job, ilene! :) gw
Leffanta Avatar
September 13, 2020 at 12:11 PM
The Germans write today as 13.IX.20 and the US military list it as 13/09/20, but Americans confuse everyone by writing it as 09/13/20, so I do hope you can convince Americans to write the month in Roman Numerals so we all have a clue WHEN! Aloha! Rico
Andresen Avatar
September 13, 2020 at 2:29 AM
- Not my favorite subject at school, Ilene :))) - Thanks for the lesson :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
Rodrigues Avatar
September 12, 2020 at 5:22 PM
Cute!
Watt Avatar
September 12, 2020 at 5:04 PM
You described this to the IX's with a baker's XII of great examples. I'm with you C%! Any day I get to read a math poem is a good day for me. Thanks for helping make it a good day! A fave.
Allison Avatar
September 12, 2020 at 2:07 PM
I wish I'd had you as my teacher at school Ilene, what a fun way to learn!:-) hugs jan xx
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