MXCVII

MXCVII is a Roman numeral. It represents the number 1097 in the modern Arabic numeral system. Roman numerals are a system of numerical notation used in ancient Rome, based on letters from the Latin alphabet. The system uses combinations of letters to represent values.

The numeral MXCVII is constructed by combining several Roman numeral symbols. 'M' represents 1000. 'X' represents 10. 'C' represents 100. 'V' represents 5. 'I' represents 1. In Roman numerals, when a symbol of smaller value precedes a symbol of larger value, it is subtracted from the larger value. For example, 'XC' represents 100 - 10 = 90. When a symbol of smaller or equal value follows a symbol of larger value, it is added. Thus, MXCVII breaks down as follows: M (1000) + XC (90) + VII (7). This summation results in 1000 + 90 + 7 = 1097.

The Roman numeral system was widely used throughout Europe for centuries and is still encountered today, particularly in contexts such as numbering monarchs, chapters in books, and clock faces. Understanding the rules of Roman numeral formation is key to deciphering their values. The subtractive principle, as seen in 'XC', is a fundamental aspect of this system, allowing for more concise representation than simply adding individual symbols.