How Did Anyone Do Math in Roman Numerals?
I always thought that roman numerals would be a simpler way to do basic arithmetic and might lend itself more to simple commerce. For example:  III represents 3 things, so III + II = IIIII  For simple commerce application that is simpler, I just have to then remember that IIIII = V, and VV = X and XXXXX = L, LL = C. Armed with just those simple rules I could probably get by in the market place in Rome.<p>With Arabic numbers, I have to learn that 1 is one thing, 2 represents 2 things, 3 represents 3 things and so on. Then I have to remember that 2 + 2 = 4, and 3 + 2 = 5, there is more memorization required.<p>Where Roman Numerals for someone with little or no education could get by in the market square with some simple rules and even use twigs as a primitive calculator. It is not until you get to much more complex ideas that the Arabic notation wins out.<p>So perhaps, different notations lend themselves better or worse depending on the application ?<p>Just some random thoughts that this very interesting post brought to mind.