Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of expressing numbers using symbols such as I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. These numerals are often used in contexts like royal titles, book names, and sequences. In this discussion, we will explore Roman numerals, the rules for their use, and examples specific to the number 147.
Have you ever wondered about symbols like Henry VIII or Henry V?
These are Roman numerals used in royal titles. Long ago, people counted using fingers, sticks, or bones. As life became more complex, a standardized counting system was necessary. The Romans developed this system using symbols: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
To represent 147 in Roman numerals, we use CXLVII. Here, C is 100, XL is 40, and VII is 7. Let's delve deeper into Roman numerals and how they are written.
CXL = 100 + 40 = 140 CXLI = 100 + 40 + 1 = 141 CXLII = 100 + 40 + 2 = 142 CXLIII = 100 + 40 + 3 = 143 CXLIV = 100 + 40 + 4 = 144 CXLV = 100 + 40 + 5 = 145 CXLVI = 100 + 40 + 5 + 1 = 146 CXLVII = 100 + 40 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 146
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss some fundamental rules to remember when using Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VII → V + I + I → 5 + 1 + 1 = 7.
To write larger numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
If a smaller number is placed before a larger number, you subtract the smaller from the larger number. For example, XL → L - X → 50 - 10 = 40.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated at all. For example, we do not write CCCCC for 500; instead, we use D.
Let’s learn how to write 147 in Roman numerals using two methods: the Expansion Method and the Grouping Method.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Let's see how to write 147 in Roman numerals using this method.
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
147 = 100 + 40 + 7
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals.
- 100 in Roman numerals is C.
- 40 in Roman numerals is XL.
- 7 in Roman numerals is VII.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals.
Therefore, 147 in Roman numerals is C + XL + VII = CXLVII.
When writing a large number, we group numbers to convert them into Roman numerals.
To write 147 in Roman numerals, group it as 100 + 40 + 7:
- 100 in Roman numerals is C.
- 40 in Roman numerals is XL.
- 7 in Roman numerals is VII.
So, 147 is written as CXLVII in Roman numerals.
When writing numbers in Roman numerals, students often make mistakes. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.
A historian is cataloging artifacts and finds CXLVII ancient coins. He wants to divide them equally into XIII collections. How many coins will each collection contain?
Each collection will contain XI coins.
To find out how many coins each collection contains, divide the total number of coins by the number of collections.
CXLVII = 147
XIII = 13
Therefore, 147 / 13 = 11.
11 in Roman numerals is XI.
An archaeologist discovers a tablet with a message indicating that the sum of two ancient empires' durations was CLXVIII years. If one empire lasted CXLVII years, how long did the other empire last?
The other empire lasted XXI years.
To find the duration of the other empire, subtract the duration of one empire from the total duration.
CLXVIII = 168
CXLVII = 147
168 - 147 = 21
21 in Roman numerals is XXI.
A library has a collection of DCCX books. They decide to donate CXLVII books to a local school. How many books will remain in the library?
There will be DLXIII books remaining in the library.
Subtract the number of donated books from the total number of books to find the remaining number.
DCCX = 710
CXLVII = 147
710 - 147 = 563
563 in Roman numerals is DLXIII.
An ancient scroll mentions a battle that took place in the year DCCCXLVII. If the battle occurred CL years after the founding of the city, in what year was the city founded?
The city was founded in DCCXCVII.
Subtract the number of years after the city's founding from the year of the battle.
DCCCXLVII = 847
CL = 150
847 - 150 = 697
697 in Roman numerals is DCCXCVII.
A mathematician is encoding a secret message using the sum of two numbers, where the first number is XC and the second is LVII. What is the sum, and how is it represented in Roman numerals?
The sum is CXLVII.
Add the two numbers together to find the sum.
XC = 90
LVII = 57
90 + 57 = 147
147 in Roman numerals is CXLVII.
Limitation Rule: Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated.
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.