The IV number is a Roman numeral that represents the number 4 in Arabic numerals. It is composed of the Roman numeral symbol I (which stands for 1) followed by the symbol V (which stands for 5). In Roman numeral notation, when a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, it is subtracted from the larger one. Therefore, IV equals 5 minus 1, which is 4
. In summary:
- IV = V - I
- IV = 5 - 1
- IV = 4
This subtractive notation is why 4 is written as IV rather than IIII in Roman numerals
