Why accusative: centesimum quemque ?

Latin Learning Latin
1

I’m looking for help on a use of accusative case: In Orberg’s LLPSI Ch XVII line XXX we have the Magister asking Sextus to count up to 1000. And when Sextus says: “Longum est tot numeros dicere!” The magister answers: “At satis est decem numeros dicere, id est centesimum quemque”.

Why doesn’t he say: ‘…id est centesimus quisque’ - why is he using the accusative for a construction ‘id est…’?

2

I think there’s ellipsis here. It is really “id est centesimum quemque dicere.”

3

Craig, thanks. that looks like the right answer to me.

4

Yep: “It is enough to say only ten numbers, that is, each hundredth.” = “It is enough to say each hundredth number.”

Likewise: “Satis est satis est decem numeros dicere, id est centesimum quemque.” = “Satis est centesimum quemque numerum dicere.”