CMXXXI

CMXXXI is the Roman numeral representation of the number 1931. Roman numerals are a numerical system that originated in ancient Rome and was used throughout Europe for centuries. The system is based on letters from the Latin alphabet, each representing a specific value. The fundamental symbols and their values are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).

To form larger numbers, these symbols are combined. The general rule is that symbols are placed from left to right in order of value, starting with the largest. When a symbol of smaller value precedes a symbol of larger value, it is subtracted from the larger value. Otherwise, the values are added.

In the case of CMXXXI, we can break it down to understand its value. C (100) preceding M (1000) indicates subtraction, so CM equals 1000 - 100 = 900. Next, X (10) is repeated twice, XXX, which adds up to 10 + 10 + 10 = 30. Finally, I (1) is at the end, adding its value. Therefore, CMXXXI is 900 + 30 + 1, totaling 1931. This system was crucial for record-keeping, commerce, and astronomical calculations before the widespread adoption of Hindu-Arabic numerals.