72 in Roman numerals
72 is written LXXII. In chunks: L (50) + X (10) + X (10) + I (1) + I (1) = 72.
The answer
LXXII
72 in Roman numerals is LXXII.
How LXXII is built
To write it, split 72 into 70 + 2. 70 is LXX, 2 is II, so 72 is LXX then II: LXXII.
To read it, LXXII has 5 chunks, and none of them is a take-away pair, so every chunk is added.
| Chunk | Worth | Why |
|---|---|---|
| L | 50 | Add |
| X | 10 | Add |
| X | 10 | Add |
| I | 1 | Add |
| I | 1 | Add |
The mistake to watch for
Writing 72 as XXXXXXXII
Wrong: XXXXXXXII
XXXXXXXII forgets L. Fifty has its own letter, and X can only be written three times in a row, so 70 is LXX, which makes 72 LXXII.
Check it with the converter
Type XXXXXXXII to see why XXXXXXXII is not 72. The rule numbers it gives are the three rules on the Roman numerals page.
Converter set to LXXII (72).
Keep going
Questions parents ask
What is 72 in Roman numerals?
72 is LXXII.
What comes before and after LXXII?
71 is LXXI and 73 is LXXIII.
Does LXXII use subtraction?
No. Every letter in LXXII is the same size as, or smaller than, the letter before it, so you just add them all.
What is the biggest letter in LXXII?
L, which is 50. LXXII has 5 letters.
Careful reading is an 11+ skill
Reading all 5 letters of LXXII in order is the careful checking 11+ papers reward. The free diagnostic covers all four subjects, with no card needed.