Table Of Contents
Last updated on February 25th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. They are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and others, often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals.
Early people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became complex, a standard form was needed. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used.
In Roman numerals, we use MCMLIV to represent 1954. Here, M is 1000, CM is 900, L is 50, and IV is 4. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing a number in Roman numerals. In this section, we’ll discuss some basic rules to remember when writing a number in Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6.
To write larger numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, it is subtracted. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we write VIII for 8, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 1954 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals:
In the expansion method, based on place value, the number is broken down. Here we will learn how to write 1954 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 1954 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones. For 1954, we write it as 1000 + 900 + 50 + 4.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 1954 in Roman numerals is M (1000) + CM (900) + L (50) + IV (4) = MCMLIV.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 1954 in Roman numerals, we group 1954 as 1000 + 900 + 50 + 4.
So, 1954 is written as MCMLIV in Roman numerals.
A historian discovers two ancient artifacts marked with MCM and LIV. What is the total value of both artifacts in Roman numerals?
An auction features two rare objects: one labeled CM and another labeled CMLIV. What is the difference in their values?
A collector has a series of coins labeled with Roman numerals: DCCCLXXXIV, MCM, and LXX. What is the sum of their values?
A mathematician writes two equations: MCM - XLVI and LXXVIII + MCMVIII. What are the results in Roman numerals?
Convert the number 1954 into Roman numerals using the breakdown method.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.