What numeral is symbolized by IV?

The numeral symbolized by IV represents the number 4 in Roman numerals. The way Roman numerals work is based on a system where certain letters stand for specific values. In this case, 'I' represents 1 and 'V' represents 5. When a smaller numeral appears before a larger numeral, like the 'I' in IV, it indicates that you should subtract the smaller number from the larger one. Therefore, IV is calculated as 5 (the value of V) minus 1 (the value of I), resulting in 4. This understanding of Roman numerals is crucial for interpreting various historical texts, literature, and even in contemporary use such as clock faces and movie titles.