Fix This Roman Numeral Equation

This Roman numeral equation is wrong, but you can fix it without changing any of the elements of the equation. How is this possible?

I + XI = X

Look at it upside down. Instead of changing the equation, you can change your perspective.

This is from Dan Brown’s novel, Origin.

Posted in Brain Teasers

6 Comments on "Fix This Roman Numeral Equation"

Nice one — great one actually — but misleading because it says “fix it.” It should say “it is still right” or something like that.

Shouldn’t it be “Look at it in a mirror”. You will get X = IX + I, wouldn’t you?

Looking at it in a mirror also works.

I + XI = X

Or, We Can write as it is puzzle type questio.

I+ IX=X ( 1.5 = 5 & 5.1=5)
(Just like IX or I.X creates same value)

I + XI = X/ 1 + 9 =10

Original: I + XI = X / 1 + 11 =12

Reversed (mirror): X = XI + 1 / 10 = 9 + 1

This is a bit silly. I understand the motivational aspect to see things differently, but eh.