Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman Numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will discuss Roman Numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman Numerals. Have you noticed the symbols (I and II) and wondered what they represent? Those are Roman Numerals. Earlier people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed to count. 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 we use to count.
In Roman Numerals, we use CCCXCIV to represent 394. Here, CCC is 300, XC is 90, and IV is 4. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to write a number in Roman Numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some basic rules that need to be remembered when writing a number in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write larger numbers, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number is followed by 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
The 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 VV for 10. Instead, we use X, and for 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 394 in Roman Numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman Numerals.
In the expansion method, based on the place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 394 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 394 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 394, we write it as 300 + 90 + 4.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals:
300 in Roman Numerals is CCC.
90 in Roman Numerals is XC.
4 in Roman Numerals is IV.
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together.
Therefore, 394 in Roman Numerals is CCC + XC + IV = CCCXCIV.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 394 in Roman Numerals, we group 394 as 300 + 90 + 4:
300 in Roman Numerals is CCC.
90 in Roman Numerals is XC.
4 in Roman Numerals is IV.
So, 394 is written as CCCXCIV 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 ways to avoid them.
A historian wants to organize a collection of CCCXCIV ancient artifacts into XIII groups. How many artifacts will be in each group?
Each group will have XXXII artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts per group, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of groups.
CCCXCIV = 394
XIII = 13
Therefore, CCCXCIV / XIII = 394 / 13 = 30.307, which rounds to 30.
30 in Roman numerals is XXX.
An architect is designing a building with CCCXCIV windows, and he wants to arrange them in IX rows. How many windows will each row contain?
Each row will contain XLIII windows.
Divide the total number of windows by the number of rows.
CCCXCIV = 394
IX = 9
Therefore, CCCXCIV / IX = 394 / 9 = 43.777, which rounds to 44.
44 in Roman numerals is XLIV.
Calculate the sum of CLXXIV and CCXX.
The sum of CLXXIV and CCXX is CCCXCIV.
Add the two numbers together.
CLXXIV = 174
CCXX = 220
174 + 220 = 394
394 in Roman numerals is CCCXCIV.
What is the difference between CD and CCCXCIV?
The difference between CD and CCCXCIV is VI.
Subtract the smaller number from the larger number.
CD = 400
CCCXCIV = 394
400 394 = 6
6 in Roman numerals can be written as VI.
Write the Roman Numeral for the sum of 300 and 94 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 300 + 94 is CCCXCIV.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 300 and 94 into Roman numerals.
300 = CCC
94 = XCIV
Add the numbers together: 300 + 94 = 394
394 in Roman numerals, using expansion method: 300 + 90 + 4 = CCC + XC + IV = CCCXCIV.
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.