UPSC Prelims 2008 · General Studies

Question 106: Basic Numeracy

Which one of the following is the correct sequence in respect of the Roman numerals—C, D, L and M?

aC > D > L > M

bM > L > D > C

cM > D > C > L

dL > C > D > M

AnswerThe answer is (c).

In Roman numerals C is 100, D is 500, L is 50 and M is 1000. Arranged from largest to smallest, the order is M (1000) > D (500) > C (100) > L (50). A simple memory aid is to learn the values in pairs: M and D are the thousand and five hundred, C and L are the hundred and fifty.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) Puts C (100) above D (500) and M (1000) last, though M is the largest.
(b) M > L > D > C wrongly places L (50) above D (500) and C (100).
(c) M > D > C > L is the correct order.
(d) L > C > D > M puts the largest value, M, last.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2008, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.