Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols used are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals appear in contexts like royal titles, book names, and sequences. In this discussion, we will explore Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals. Have you ever wondered what the symbols (I and II) represent?
Those are Roman numerals. People initially used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., for counting. As life became more complex, a standardized counting system was necessary. Ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system to fulfill this need. The symbols used include I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we use CLVIII to represent 158. Here, C is 100, L is 50, V is 5, and III is 3. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some basic rules that need to be remembered when writing a number in Roman numerals.
When a smaller number follows a larger number, they are added. For example, CLVIII → C + L + V + III → 100 + 50 + 5 + 3 = 158.
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to represent numbers. For example, III → 3.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, it is subtracted from the larger number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times. Some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X. Similarly, 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 158 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In this method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 158 in Roman numerals using the expansion method:
1. Break the number based on place value: 100 + 50 + 8.
2. Convert each component into Roman numerals:
100 in Roman numerals is C.
50 in Roman numerals is L.
8 in Roman numerals is VIII.
3. Combine them: Therefore, 158 in Roman numerals is C (100) + L (50) + VIII (8) = CLVIII.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 158 in Roman numerals:
1. Group 158 as 100 + 50 + 8.
2. Convert each part:
100 in Roman numerals is C.
50 in Roman numerals is L.
8 in Roman numerals is VIII.
3. So, 158 is written as CLVIII in Roman numerals
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
A historian discovers a manuscript dating back to CLVIII years ago. If the manuscript was discovered in the year MMXXIII, what year was it originally written?
The manuscript was originally written in the year MDCCCLXV.
To determine the year the manuscript was originally written, subtract the age of the manuscript (CLVIII) from the year MMXXIII.
CLVIII = 158
MMXXIII = 2023
2023 - 158 = 1865
1865 in Roman numerals is MDCCCLXV.
A puzzle requires placing a total of CCCCLXXIV marbles equally into CLVIII jars. How many marbles will each jar contain?
Each jar will contain III marbles.
Divide the total number of marbles by the number of jars to find how many marbles go into each jar.
CCCCLXXIV = 474
CLVIII = 158
474 / 158 = 3
3 in Roman numerals is III.
Calculate the sum of LXXX and LXXVIII using Roman numerals.
The sum of LXXX and LXXVIII is CLVIII.
Add the two numbers and convert to Roman numerals.
LXXX = 80
LXXVIII = 78
80 + 78 = 158
158 in Roman numerals is CLVIII.
What is the difference between CCXVIII and LX?
The difference between CCXVIII and LX is CLVIII.
Subtract LX from CCXVIII.
CCXVIII = 218
LX = 60
218 - 60 = 158
158 in Roman numerals is CLVIII.
Write the Roman numeral for 100 + 58 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 100 + 58 is CLVIII.
Convert each number to Roman numerals and add them together.
100 = C
58 = LVIII
100 + 58 = 158
Using the expansion method: 158 = 100 + 50 + 8 = CLVIII.
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.