Latin numbers can be expressed cardinally and ordinally. Cardinal numbers are numbers we use to count when we count things in order. Ordinal numbers are numbers we use to list things, like when we place people in first, second or third place. Latin numerals are still used today. You can see them on tombstones and even on your wristwatch. Let’s take a look at the cardinal numbers:

I (ūnus)

II (duo)

III (trēs)

IV (quattuor)

V (quīnque)

VI (sex)

VII (septem)

VIII (octō)

IX (novem)

X (decem)

And now the ordinal numbers:

I (prīmus)

II (secundus)

III (tertius)

IV (quārtus)

V (quīntus)

VI (sextus)

VII (septimus)

VIII (octāvus)

IX (nōnus)

X (decimus)

To create the number six, add the symbol for 5 and 1, with the 1 on the right hand side. To create the number four, place the 1 before the 5. Think of it as 1 less than 5, which equals 4. The same goes for 9. Place the 1 on the left hand side before the 10 and you’ll get 9.