# Roman numerals Subtractive VS Additive

What is the Difference between Additive notation and Subtractive notation in Roman numerals?

correct me if im wrong but this is an example of Additive: XXXIII = 10 + 10 + 10 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 33

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Yes, that’s an example of additive notation. IX $=10-1=9$ is an example of subtractive notation, as is XC $=100-10=90$. Roman numerals were originally entirely additive; the subtractive notation was a later development. –  Brian M. Scott May 23 '12 at 6:51
Thanks for that you made it really clear :) –  Daniel D C May 23 '12 at 6:52
@BrianM.Scott what would you say is the subtractive notation of my example though? –  Daniel D C May 23 '12 at 6:56
There isn’t one: the subtractive notation is used only when an amount written with a single letter is being subtracted. One doesn’t write IIV, meaning $5-2$, for $3$, and similarly, one doesn’t write XXXIIV, XXLIII, or XXLIIV, meaning $30+5-2,50-20+3$, and $50-20+5-2$, for $33$. –  Brian M. Scott May 23 '12 at 7:00
I see thanks alot :) –  Daniel D C May 23 '12 at 7:04