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Last updated on February 24th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols used. Roman numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent? These are Roman numerals.
In earlier times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was required to count, leading to the Roman numeral system. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used to count.
In Roman numerals, we use CLXXI to represent 171, where C is 100, L is 50, XX is 20, and I is 1. Let's learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss some rules that need to be remembered.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, CLXXI → C + L + X + X + I → 100 + 50 + 10 + 10 + 1 = 171.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XX → 20.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a small number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we won't write LLL for 150; instead, we use CL.
Let's learn how to write 171 in Roman numerals using different methods.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value.
Steps to write 171:
1. Break down the number based on place value: 100 + 50 + 20 + 1.
2. Convert each part into Roman numerals:
100 in Roman numerals — C
50 in Roman numerals — L
20 in Roman numerals — XX
1 in Roman numerals — I
3. Combine them: C + L + XX + I = CLXXI.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, group the number:
1. Group 171 as 100 + 50 + 20 + 1.
2. Convert each group into Roman numerals:
100 in Roman numerals — C
50 in Roman numerals — L
20 in Roman numerals — XX
1 in Roman numerals — I
3. Combine them: CLXXI.
A historian is researching ancient manuscripts and finds two sections labeled CLX and XI. She wants to know the total number of pages represented by these sections when combined.
A library has CLXXI volumes of a rare book series. They want to distribute them evenly among XVII branches. How many volumes will each branch receive?
An archaeologist finds two artifacts labeled CXL and XXXI in an excavation site. What is the difference in their numbered labels?
A museum has a collection of CLXXI artifacts. They decide to exhibit LV of them. How many artifacts will remain in storage?
Convert the sum of 150 and 21 into Roman numerals using the expansion 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.