46 in Roman Numerals - XLVI
The number 46 in Roman notation is XLVI. This remarkable number represents the 46th President of the United States, the 46 high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, and holds the distinction of being the largest even integer that cannot be expressed as the sum of two abundant numbers.

Number 46 written in Roman numerals as XLVI
How do we write the number 46 in Roman numerals?
Forty-six in Roman notation (XLVI) demonstrates the sophisticated combination of subtraction and addition principles, creating an elegant representation of this mathematically significant number.
Breaking down XLVI:
- XL = 40 (L minus X: 50 - 10 = 40)
- V = 5 (simple addition)
- I = 1 (simple addition)
- XLVI = 40 + 5 + 1 = 46 (subtraction + addition + addition)
The number XLVI showcases the elegant efficiency of Roman numerals, combining the subtraction rule (XL for 40) with straightforward addition (V for 5, I for 1), demonstrating mathematical harmony in ancient notation.
Historical note:
In Roman times, XLVI appeared in military records, architectural measurements, and administrative documents. The number 46 held significance in Roman census records and territorial divisions, representing complete units or administrative regions.
Correct and incorrect notations for number 46
Correct notations:
Incorrect notations:
Number 46 in historical context
Interesting facts about number XLVI:
- • Roman administrative records used XLVI to number legions and military units.
- • The 46th milestone on major Roman roads was marked as XLVI.
- • Roman architects used measurements of 46 units in construction projects.
- • Ancient Roman taxation documents recorded amounts of 46 denarii as XLVI.
- • Roman calendars and astronomical records incorporated the number XLVI.
- • Legal documents in Roman courts used XLVI to number cases and proceedings.
Applications of XLVI in the modern world
The Roman notation of 46 as XLVI appears in various contemporary contexts:
Political and cultural significance
- Joe Biden (46th President of the United States)
- Oklahoma was the 46th state to join the Union (1907)
- Chapter XLVI in academic books and legal documents
- Adirondack 46ers - mountain climbers who summit all 46 high peaks
- Annual commemorations and anniversaries
Modern numbering applications
- Sports jersey numbers and team designations
- Building addresses and office suite numbers
- Academic conference and symposium numbering
- Product model numbers and series designations
- Film and television episode numbering
- Engineering project and specification codes
XLVI in timekeeping and measurements
While 46 doesn't appear directly on clock faces, 46 minutes represents a significant portion of an hour. In navigation and surveying, 46-unit measurements were historically important for Roman engineers.
Famous examples of XLVI
Politics and statehood
Notable XLVI political and historical references:
- Joe Biden - 46th President of the United States
- Oklahoma - 46th state admitted to the Union (1907)
- The Adirondack 46ers - mountaineering achievement club
- Interstate highway mile markers numbered XLVI
Science and mathematics
XLVI in scientific and mathematical contexts:
- The 46 high peaks of the Adirondack Mountains
- 46 - largest even integer not expressible as sum of two abundant numbers
- 46 - a semiprime number (2 × 23)
- 46 - the number of prime numbers between 1 and 200
The 46th Presidency
Joe Biden's presidency as the 46th President brings special attention to this Roman numeral:
- • Inaugurated on January 20, 2021, as the 46th President
- • Previously served as 47th Vice President under Barack Obama (2009-2017)
- • Represents continuity in American democratic traditions
- • His presidency spans the 2020s decade
- • Notable for being the oldest person to assume the presidency
- • XLVI appears in official presidential documentation and ceremonies
The Adirondack 46ers Connection
The number 46 has special significance in American mountaineering:
- • The Adirondack Mountains contain 46 peaks over 4,000 feet in elevation
- • Climbers who summit all 46 peaks are called "Adirondack 46ers"
- • This mountaineering achievement club was founded in 1937
- • The 46 peaks represent one of America's premier hiking challenges
- • Each peak offers unique geological and ecological features
- • The tradition connects outdoor adventure with mathematical precision
How to remember the Roman forty-six notation?
To easily remember that 46 is written as XLVI:
- Break down 46 into 40 + 6, which is XL + VI
- Remember XL = 50 - 10 = 40 (subtraction rule)
- Remember VI = 5 + 1 = 6 (addition rule)
- Think of the 46th President or the Adirondack 46 peaks
- Connect it to Oklahoma being the 46th state
Practical tip:
XLVI combines the subtraction principle (XL) with straightforward addition (VI), making it a perfect example of Roman numeral versatility. The connection to presidential history and mountain climbing makes it memorable.
XLVI compared to other Roman numerals
Comparing 46 (XLVI) with nearby numbers shows Roman numeral progression:
Arabic number | Roman numeral | Explanation |
---|---|---|
44 | XLIV | 40 + 4 = 44 (both XL and IV use subtraction) |
45 | XLV | 40 + 5 = 45 (XL uses subtraction, V is simple) |
46 | XLVI | 40 + 6 = 46 (XL uses subtraction, VI uses addition) |
47 | XLVII | 40 + 7 = 47 (XL uses subtraction, VII uses addition) |
48 | XLVIII | 40 + 8 = 48 (XL uses subtraction, VIII uses addition) |
49 | XLIX | 40 + 9 = 49 (both XL and IX use subtraction) |
50 | L | 50 (single symbol) |
XLVI demonstrates clear progression in the Roman numeral system, showing how numbers build systematically from the base of XL (40).
Mathematical properties of number 46
Fascinating mathematical facts about 46:
- It's a semiprime number (2 × 23) - the product of exactly two prime numbers
- The largest even integer that cannot be expressed as the sum of two abundant numbers
- A centered triangular number with specific geometric properties
- The 13th discrete semiprime in the mathematical sequence
- Represents the count of prime numbers between 1 and 200
- Part of an aliquot sequence containing six composite numbers
- In binary: 46 = 101110₂, in hexadecimal: 46 = 2E₁₆
Cultural significance of XLVI:
The number 46 holds special meaning across various domains:
- • Joe Biden as the 46th President of the United States (2021-present)
- • Oklahoma's admission as the 46th state in 1907
- • The Adirondack 46ers mountaineering achievement club
- • Palladium has atomic number 46 on the periodic table
- • Route 46 highways in multiple U.S. states
- • The significance of 46 in Japanese wordplay and culture
- • Military unit designations and historical references
People who are 46 years old
People who are currently XLVI (46) years old were born in the year 1979 (MCMLXXIX in Roman numerals)
Frequently Asked Questions about XLVI (46)
Why is 46 written as XLVI and not XXXXVI?
XLVI follows Roman numeral efficiency rules. XL (50-10=40) + V (5) + I (1) = 46. Using XXXXVI would violate the rule of not repeating X more than three times consecutively.
What makes 46 special in mathematics?
46 is unique as the largest even integer that cannot be expressed as the sum of two abundant numbers. It's also a semiprime (2 × 23) and counts the prime numbers between 1 and 200.
Who is the 46th President of the United States?
Joe Biden is the 46th President of the United States, inaugurated on January 20, 2021. His presidency connects modern American history with the Roman numeral XLVI.
What are the Adirondack 46ers?
The Adirondack 46ers are mountaineers who have climbed all 46 peaks over 4,000 feet in New York's Adirondack Mountains. This achievement club was founded in 1937.
How do you remember XLVI?
Think of President Biden (46th President) or the Adirondack 46 peaks. Remember it combines XL (40) with VI (6), mixing subtraction and addition principles elegantly.
What state was the 46th to join the Union?
Oklahoma was the 46th state to join the United States, admitted to the Union on November 16, 1907. This makes XLVI significant in American statehood history.
Why is 46 considered mathematically unique?
46 holds the special distinction of being the largest even integer that cannot be written as the sum of two abundant numbers, making it mathematically remarkable.
Where do we see XLVI in modern times?
XLVI appears in presidential references, mountaineering achievements, state history, sports jersey numbers, chapter numbering, and various official documents and commemorations.
What year were people born who are currently 46 years old?
People who are currently 46 years old were born in 1979 (MCMLXXIX in Roman numerals). This creates an interesting connection between XLVI (46) and their birth year in Roman notation.
The Roman numeral XLVI represents not just the number 46, but also presidential history, mountaineering achievement, and mathematical uniqueness. From Joe Biden's presidency to the Adirondack 46ers, from Oklahoma statehood to its special mathematical properties, XLVI demonstrates how ancient notation continues to mark significant moments and achievements in modern times. Its mathematical distinction as the largest even integer that cannot be expressed as the sum of two abundant numbers makes it truly remarkable among Roman numerals.
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