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Last updated on May 26th, 2025

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238 in Roman Numerals

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Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols used include I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman Numerals are utilized in contexts like royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman Numerals, their rules, and examples, focusing on the number 238.

238 in Roman Numerals for Australian Students
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

What is 238 in Roman Numerals?

In royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, the Roman numerals (I, II) represent numbers. Early counting methods involved fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standardized counting form was needed. Ancient Romans used the Roman Numeral system to meet this need. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used in this system.

 

In Roman Numerals, 238 is represented as CCXXXVIII, where C is 100, X is 10, and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.

238 in roman numerals

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Basic Rules for 238 in Roman Numerals

Certain basic rules must be followed to write a number in Roman Numerals. Let's discuss these rules, which are essential when writing numbers in Roman numerals.

 

Rule 1: Addition Method

The addition method involves placing a smaller number after a larger number, indicating addition. For example, CCXXXVIII → C + C + X + X + V + I + I + I → 100 + 100 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 238.

 

Rule 2: Repetition Method

Some Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to indicate addition. For example, XXX → 30.

 

Rule 3: Subtraction Method

When a smaller number precedes a larger one, it indicates subtraction. For example, IX → X  I → 10  1 = 9.

 

Rule 4: Limitation Rule

Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times. Symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we write 10 as X, not VV, and 8 as VIII, not IIIIIIII.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

How to Write 238 in Roman Numerals

Now, let’s learn how to write 238 in Roman Numerals using different methods.
 

  • By Expansion Method

 

  • By Grouping Method
     
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

238 in Roman Numeral by Expansion Method

In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on place value. Let's learn how to write 238 in Roman numerals using this method.

 

Step 1: Break the number based on place value: 200 + 30 + 8.

 

Step 2: Convert each part into Roman Numerals:
 200 in Roman Numerals — CC
 30 in Roman Numerals — XXX
 8 in Roman Numerals — VIII

 

Step 3: Combine them: Therefore, 238 in Roman Numerals is CC (200) + XXX (30) + VIII (8) = CCXXXVIII.

Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

238 in Roman Numeral by Grouping Method

When writing large numbers, grouping is often used. 

 

To write 238 in Roman Numerals, group it as 200 + 30 + 8:


 200 in Roman Numerals — CC
 30 in Roman Numerals — XXX
 8 in Roman Numerals — VIII

 

So, 238 is written as CCXXXVIII in Roman Numerals.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in 238 Roman Numerals

Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. Understanding common errors and how to avoid them can help master the system.

Mistake 1

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Errors in Repetition Method
 

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The repetition method can confuse beginners. Symbols in Roman Numerals cannot be repeated more than three times. Symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated.
 

Mistake 2

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Subtracting the Wrong Numerals
 

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Confusion often arises with the subtraction method. For example, writing IL for 49 instead of XLIX is incorrect.
 

Mistake 3

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Incorrect Grouping

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When translating large numbers into Roman Numerals, incorrect grouping occurs. Writing 6 as IIIIII instead of VI is a common mistake.
 

Mistake 4

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Confusing Arabic and Roman Numerals
 

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Students may confuse Arabic numerals with Roman Numerals. Understanding the basic concepts helps avoid this confusion. Arabic numbers use 1, 2, 3, etc., while Roman Numerals use symbols like I, V, X, L, etc.
 

Mistake 5

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Confusing Subtraction and Addition

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Confusion between addition and subtraction methods is common. When a larger number follows a smaller one, use the addition method; when a smaller number precedes a larger one, use the subtraction method. For example, IV = 4 not 6.
 

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238 in Roman Numerals Examples

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Problem 1

A historian finds a manuscript that mentions a battle where CCXXXVIII soldiers faced CL soldiers. How many more soldiers were on the battlefield compared to the opposing army?

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The difference in the number of soldiers is LXXXVIII.

Explanation

To find the difference between the two groups of soldiers, we subtract the smaller number of soldiers from the larger

number.

CCXXXVIII = 238


CL = 150


238  150 = 88


88 in Roman numerals can be written as LXXXVIII.

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Problem 2

An ancient scroll describes a festival that lasted for CCXXXVIII days. If the festival started on January 1st, on what day did it end, assuming it's not a leap year?

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The festival ended on August 27th.
 

Explanation

January has 31 days.

February has 28 days.

March has 31 days.

April has 30 days.

May has 31 days.

June has 30 days.

July has 31 days.

Total days from January to July: 31 + 28 + 31 + 30 + 31 + 30 + 31 = 212 days.

238  212 = 26 days into August.

Therefore, the festival ends on August 27th.

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Problem 3

A curator is organizing CCXXXVIII artifacts into XVII display cases. How many artifacts will each display case contain, assuming each case contains the same number?

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Each display case will contain XIV artifacts.
 

Explanation

To determine how many artifacts each case contains, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of display cases.


CCXXXVIII = 238

XVII = 17

238 / 17 = 14

14 in Roman numerals is XIV.

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Problem 4

Calculate the sum of CLXXVIII and LX.

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The sum of CLXXVIII and LX is CCXXXVIII.
 

Explanation

Add the two numbers together to find their sum.

CLXXVIII = 178

LX = 60

178 + 60 = 238

238 in Roman numerals is CCXXXVIII.

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Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Problem 5

An architect is using CCXXXVIII bricks to construct a wall. If the wall requires XIII layers of bricks, how many bricks will be used per layer?

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Each layer will use XVIII bricks.
 

Explanation

To find out how many bricks are used per layer, divide the total number of bricks by the number of layers.

CCXXXVIII = 238

XIII = 13

238 / 13 = 18

18 in Roman numerals can be written as XVIII.

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FAQs on 238 in Roman Numerals

1.What is 239 in Roman numerals?

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2.How to write 238 in Roman numerals?

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3.What is 240 in Roman Numerals?

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4.Is CCXXXVIII a prime number?

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5.What are the multiples of 238?

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6.How can children in Australia use numbers in everyday life to understand 238 in Roman Numerals?

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7.What are some fun ways kids in Australia can practice 238 in Roman Numerals with numbers?

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8.What role do numbers and 238 in Roman Numerals play in helping children in Australia develop problem-solving skills?

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9.How can families in Australia create number-rich environments to improve 238 in Roman Numerals skills?

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Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for 238 in Roman Numerals

  • Addition Rule: When a larger number is followed by a smaller numeral, their values are added. For example, CCXXXVIII = CC + XXX + VIII = 200 + 30 + 8 = 238.

 

  • Grouping Method: Numbers are grouped based on place value and each group is converted into Roman numerals. For example, 238 = 200 + 30 + 8 = CCXXXVIII.

 

  • Repetition Rule: Certain symbols (I, X, C, M) in Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX = 30 (X is repeated three times).

 

  • Subtraction Rule: A smaller numeral before a larger one indicates subtraction. For example, IX = 9.

 

  • Limitation Rule: Symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated, and others cannot be repeated more than three times.
Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

About BrightChamps inAustralia

At BrightCHAMPS, numbers are more than just digits they open doors to countless opportunities! Our aim is to help children throughout Australia master important math skills, focusing today on the 238 in Roman Numerals with a special emphasis on Roman numerals in a fun, easy, and engaging way. Whether your child is calculating the speed of a roller coaster at Luna Park Sydney, tracking scores at local cricket matches, or managing their allowance to buy the latest gadgets, mastering numbers builds the confidence needed for everyday challenges. Our interactive lessons make learning both simple and enjoyable. Because kids in Australia learn in many different ways, we tailor our teaching to suit each child. From Sydney’s vibrant streets to the stunning beaches of the Gold Coast, BrightCHAMPS brings math alive, making it exciting and relatable all over Australia. Let’s make Roman numerals a fun part of every child’s math journey!
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana

About the Author

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.

Max, the Girl Character from BrightChamps

Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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