What is the smallest number that uses each of the seven Roman numerals exactly once?
A) XCMIVDL
B) LDXCMIV
C) MCDXLIV
D) DLXCMIV
E) MDCLXVI

Question

What is the smallest number that uses each of the seven Roman numerals exactly once? ​
A) XCMIVDL
B) LDXCMIV
C) MCDXLIV
D) DLXCMIV
E) MDCLXVI

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Roman numerals for one to ten are I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, and X. The smallest number that uses each of the seven Roman numerals exactly once must have I, V, and X in it, since these are the only numerals that repeat in the list. Thus, the number must be at least 14. Also, the numeral for 50 is L, which is larger than X, and the numeral for 100 is C, which is larger than L. Therefore, the numerals must be arranged in decreasing order, with the largest numeral coming first. This leaves only one possible answer choice, which is C, MCDXLIV. This number is equal to 1444.

What Is the Smallest Number That Uses Each of the Seven