XLVIII

xlviii is the Roman numeral representation of the number 48. In Roman numerals, X represents 10, and V represents 5, and I represents 1. The numeral is constructed by combining these symbols. The placement of the numerals indicates their value. Specifically, the x's denote tens, the v denotes five, and the i's denote ones. xlviii breaks down as follows: X is 10, L is 50. When a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, it is subtracted. Therefore, XL represents 50 - 10 = 40. Following the XL, there are three I's, each representing 1. Thus, the three I's represent 1 + 1 + 1 = 3. Combining these parts, XLVIII equals 40 + 3 + 5 = 48. Alternatively, if considering the standard values without the subtractive rule for XL, we would have X=10, L=50, V=5, I=1, I=1, I=1, summing to 68. However, the subtractive principle is fundamental to Roman numerals. Therefore, the correct interpretation of xlviii is 48. This numeral would be used in contexts where Roman numerals are traditionally employed, such as dating historical documents or in the numbering of chapters in some books.