48 in Roman Numerals - XLVIII
The number 48 in Roman notation is XLVIII. This composite number holds significant mathematical importance as a highly divisible number with 10 factors, making it valuable in calculations and measurements. In ancient traditions, 48 appears in biblical contexts as the number of Levitical cities and in astronomical observations of constellation groupings.
Number 48 written in Roman numerals as XLVIII
How do we write the number 48 in Roman numerals?
Forty-eight in Roman notation (XLVIII) demonstrates the combination of subtraction and addition principles, creating a highly composite number representation that showcases Roman numeral efficiency.
Breaking down XLVIII:
Step by step breakdown:
The number XLVIII efficiently demonstrates Roman numeral construction, combining the subtraction rule (XL for 40) with straightforward addition (VIII for 8), creating a clear representation of this mathematically rich composite number.
Historical note:
In Roman times, XLVIII appeared in administrative records, architectural measurements, and military organization. The year 48 BC was particularly significant, marked by the decisive Battle of Pharsalus where Caesar defeated Pompey, and Pompey's assassination in Egypt.
Correct and incorrect notations for number 48
Correct notations:
Incorrect notations:
Number 48 in historical context
Interesting facts about number XLVIII:
- • Roman census data often used groups of 48 for administrative calculations.
- • The 48th milestone on Roman roads marked important waypoints on trade routes.
- • Roman architects used measurements of 48 units in construction projects.
- • Military formations organized units considering factors of 48 for tactical efficiency.
- • Ancient astronomical records noted 48 constellations in early star catalogs.
- • Legal documents in Roman courts referenced amounts of XLVIII in various contexts.
Applications of XLVIII in the modern world
The Roman notation of 48 as XLVIII appears in various contemporary contexts:
Sports and time measurements
- NBA basketball games have 48 minutes of official playing time
- Chapter XLVIII in academic publications and literature
- Anniversary celebrations marking 48 years
- Historical commemorations of events from 48 AD or 48 BC
- Academic conferences and symposiums numbered 48
Modern numbering applications
- Sports jersey numbers and team designations
- Building addresses and room numbering systems
- Product model numbers and series classifications
- Scientific research study and experiment numbering
- Film and television episode references
- Engineering specifications and technical documentation
XLVIII in biblical tradition
The number 48 holds special significance in biblical contexts, representing divine organization and provision through the 48 Levitical cities mentioned in the Old Testament.
Famous examples of XLVIII
Historical events
Notable XLVIII historical references:
- 48 BC - Battle of Pharsalus and Pompey's assassination
- 48 AD - Period of early Christian missionary activities
- 48 Levitical cities given to the Levites in the Old Testament
- 48 hours - significant time measurement (two full days)
Mathematics and science
XLVIII in mathematical and scientific contexts:
- 48 - a highly composite number with 10 factors
- 48 - prime factorization of 2⁴ × 3
- 48 - smallest number with exactly 10 divisors
- 48 hours - significant time measurement (two full days)
The Highly Composite Nature of 48
The number 48 demonstrates mathematical richness through its divisibility:
- • Its 10 factors make it extremely useful in practical calculations
- • Divisible by many small numbers, making it valuable for measurements
- • Used in time systems (48 hours = 2 days) and sports (NBA game time)
- • Its factor pairs create balanced mathematical relationships
- • Appears frequently in architectural and engineering applications
- • Demonstrates the efficiency of composite numbers in problem-solving
How to remember the Roman forty-eight notation?
To easily remember that 48 is written as XLVIII:
- Break down 48 into 40 + 8, which is XL + VIII
- Remember XL = 50 - 10 = 40 (subtraction rule)
- Remember VIII = 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8 (addition rule)
- Think of NBA games with 48 minutes of playing time
- Connect it to the biblical 48 Levitical cities
Practical tip:
XLVIII combines subtraction (XL) with clear addition (VIII), making it memorable through its mathematical richness as a highly composite number with many practical applications.
XLVIII compared to other Roman numerals
Comparing 48 (XLVIII) with nearby numbers shows Roman numeral progression:
| Arabic number | Roman numeral | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| 51 | LI | 50 + 1 = 51 (simple addition) |
XLVIII demonstrates systematic progression in Roman numerals, building logically from the base XL (40) with clear additive components.
Mathematical properties of number 48
Fascinating mathematical facts about 48:
- It's a composite number with 10 factors: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48
- Prime factorization: 2⁴ × 3 (2 × 2 × 2 × 2 × 3)
- It's the smallest number with exactly 10 divisors
- A highly composite number with more factors than smaller numbers
- Factor pairs: (1,48), (2,24), (3,16), (4,12), (6,8)
- Sum of its proper divisors: 76 (making it an abundant number)
- In binary: 48 = 110000₂, in hexadecimal: 48 = 30₁₆
People who are 48 years old
People who are currently XLVIII (48) years old were born in the year 1977 (MCMLXXVII in Roman numerals)
Frequently Asked Questions about XLVIII (48)
Why is 48 written as XLVIII and not XXXXVIII?
XLVIII follows Roman numeral efficiency rules. XL (50-10=40) + VIII (8) = 48. Using XXXXVIII would violate the rule of not repeating X more than three times consecutively.
What makes 48 special in mathematics?
48 is a highly composite number with 10 factors (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 48), making it the smallest number with exactly 10 divisors. Its prime factorization is 2⁴ × 3.
What is the biblical significance of 48?
In biblical tradition, 48 represents the number of Levitical cities mentioned in the Old Testament, symbolizing divine organization and provision for spiritual leadership among the tribes of Israel.
How does 48 appear in modern sports?
NBA basketball games have exactly 48 minutes of official playing time, divided into four 12-minute quarters, making XLVIII significant in contemporary sports timing.
How do you remember XLVIII?
Think of NBA game time (48 minutes) or biblical Levitical cities. Remember it combines XL (40) with VIII (8), mixing subtraction and addition principles clearly.
Why is 48 considered highly composite?
48 has more factors (10) than any smaller positive integer, making it highly composite. This property makes it extremely useful in mathematical calculations and practical applications.
What are the factor pairs of 48?
The positive factor pairs of 48 are: (1,48), (2,24), (3,16), (4,12), and (6,8). These pairs demonstrate the number's mathematical versatility and divisibility.
What year were people born who are currently 48 years old?
People who are currently 48 years old were born in 1977 (MCMLXXVII in Roman numerals). This creates an interesting connection between XLVIII (48) and their birth year in Roman notation.
The Roman numeral XLVIII represents far more than just the number 48. As a mathematically rich composite number with exceptional divisibility properties, it demonstrates the practical value of numbers in calculations and measurements. From its biblical significance as the number of Levitical cities to its modern application in NBA game timing, XLVIII shows how numbers connect ancient traditions to contemporary life. Its elegant Roman representation, combining subtraction (XL) with addition (VIII), perfectly mirrors its mathematical sophistication and practical utility across cultures and centuries.
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