Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols we use are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals.
Earlier, people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. When life became complex, a standard form was required 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 LXXXIII to represent 83, where L is 50, XXX is 30, and III is 3. 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.
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, LXXXIII → L + XXX + III → 50 + 30 + 3 = 83.
To write a large number, there are certain Roman numerals that can be repeated up to three times. XXX → 30.
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
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 LLL for 150; instead, we use CL.
Let’s now learn how to write 83 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 83 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 83 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 83, we write it as 50 + 30 + 3.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman numerals.
- 50 in Roman Numeral — L
- 30 in Roman Numeral — XXX
- 3 in Roman Numeral — III
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 83 in Roman numeral is L (50) + XXX (30) + III (3) = LXXXIII.
When writing a large number into a Roman numeral, we group the number.
To write 83 in Roman numeral, we group 83 as 50 + 30 + 3.
- 50 in Roman Numeral — L
- 30 in Roman Numeral — XXX
- 3 in Roman Numeral — III
So, 83 is written as LXXXIII in Roman numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing a number in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
A historian is analyzing ancient manuscripts and notes that a king ruled for LXXXIII years. If the king ascended the throne in the year DCCLXXVII, in which year did his reign end?
The king's reign ended in the year DCCCLX.
The king's reign lasted for LXXXIII years, which is 83 years. He started ruling in the year DCCLXXVII, which is 777. Therefore, 777 + 83 = 860. In Roman numerals, 860 is represented as DCCCLX.
A treasure map reveals a clue indicating LXXXIII paces north and then CCL paces east to reach the hidden chest. How many total paces are in the journey?
The total number of paces is CCCXXXIII.
The journey consists of LXXXIII (83) paces north and CCL (250) paces east. The total is 83 + 250 = 333 paces. In Roman numerals, 333 is written as CCCXXXIII.
An ancient ledger records that a merchant sold LXXXIII barrels of oil and later purchased XLV more. How many barrels does the merchant have now?
The merchant now has CXXVIII barrels.
Initially, the merchant had LXXXIII (83) barrels. After purchasing XLV (45) more, the total is 83 + 45 = 128. In Roman numerals, 128 is represented as CXXVIII.
An archaeologist discovers a sequence of symbols indicating the subtraction of a smaller number from LXXXIII. If the resulting number is XXXV, what was the smaller number?
The smaller number is XLVIII.
The original number is LXXXIII (83), and the result after subtraction is XXXV (35). Therefore, the smaller number is 83 - 35 = 48. In Roman numerals, 48 is written as XLVIII.
Write the Roman numeral for the sum of 41 and 42 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 41 + 42 is LXXXIII.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 41 and 42 into Roman numerals.
41 - XLI
42 - XLII
Add the numbers together: 41 + 42 = 83.
Using the expansion method: 83 = 50 + 30 + 3 = LXXXIII.
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.