What is the largest possible decimal number that can be written explicitly using standard roman numeral symbols?

Question

What is the largest possible decimal number that can be written explicitly using standard roman numeral symbols?

1. A. 3000
2. B. 3999 (Correct answer)
3. C. 1000
4. D. 2999

Correct Answer

Option B — 3999

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is 3999.

Key Points

• The standard Roman symbols are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500) and M (1000).
• Using ordinary rules, no more than three M's may be written consecutively, capping the thousands at 3000.
• Adding the largest writable remainder — CM is not needed here; the maximum below 1000 is CMXCIX (999) — gives MMMCMXCIX = 3999.

Additional Information

• Values above 3999 require the vinculum, an overbar that multiplies a symbol by 1,000 (so V̄ = 5,000). The question restricts itself to symbols written *explicitly*, which excludes that notation.
• Breakdown of MMMCMXCIX: MMM = 3000, CM = 900, XC = 90, IX = 9.

*Ministry of Papers worked solution. The Commission has not yet published the official key for this paper; this answer will be reconciled with it on release.*