IV in Roman numerals represents the number 4. It's a combination of the Roman numerals I (1) and V (5), where the I placed before the V indicates subtraction (5 - 1 = 4).
Here's a breakdown:
- I represents 1.
- V represents 5.
- When a smaller Roman numeral is placed before a larger one, it signifies subtraction. Therefore, IV means 5 - 1 = 4.
Here is a table showcasing numbers surrounding IV:
| Number | Roman Numeral |
|---|---|
| 3 | III |
| 4 | IV |
| 5 | V |
| 6 | VI |
Essentially, IV is the Roman numeral representation of the number 4, constructed by subtracting 1 from 5.
