Word problems with Roman numerals: worked example
22 October 2026
Word problems with Roman numerals can seem tricky at first, but breaking them into clear steps makes them much easier to solve. Here is a simple example to help your child see how to work through these questions with confidence.
Worked example
A clock shows the time as IX hours in the morning. After V hours, what time will it be?
Step 1: Convert IX to a number. IX = 9.
Step 2: Convert V to a number. V = 5.
Step 3: Add the hours. 9 + 5 = 14.
Step 4: Write 14 in Roman numerals. 14 = X (10) + IV (4) = XIV.
The answer is XIV hours.
Click or tap on the number line to answer
Key insight: Your child can now spot how to turn Roman numerals into numbers, do the calculation, and then write the answer back in Roman numerals. This is the same skill they will use in other word problems with Roman numerals, so they are ready to practise more questions like this.
