Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using specific symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols used. Roman Numerals are commonly seen in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman Numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, and others often feature Roman Numerals. These symbols (I, II, etc.) represent numbers. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, and bones for counting. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed. Ancient Romans developed the Roman Numeral system. 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, 89 is written as LXXXIX, where L is 50, XXX is 30, and IX is 9. 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 rules to remember when writing numbers in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, LXXX → L + X + X + X → 50 + 10 + 10 + 10 = 80
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write larger numbers, some Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
When a smaller number precedes a larger number, the subtraction method is used. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For instance, we don't write VV for 10; instead, we use X. Similarly, we write 8 as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let's learn how to write 89 in Roman Numerals using different methods.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 89 in Roman Numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value (tens, ones, etc.).
For 89, we write it as 80 + 9.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman Numerals.
80 in Roman Numerals — LXXX
9 in Roman Numerals — IX
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals.
Therefore, 89 in Roman Numerals is LXXX (80) + IX (9) = LXXXIX.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the values.
To write 89 in Roman Numerals, we group 89 as 80 + 9.
Thus, 89 is written as LXXXIX 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 how to avoid them.
Calculate the sum of LXXXIX and XIII.
The sum of LXXXIX and XIII is CII
LXXXIX is 89 and XIII is 13. When you add these numbers together, 89 + 13 = 102.
In Roman Numerals, 102 can be written as CII.
A librarian has DLXXXIX books and wants to distribute them equally among IX shelves. How many books will each shelf contain?
Each shelf will contain LXV books.
DLXXXIX is 589 and IX is 9.
To find out how many books will go on each shelf, divide the total number of books by the number of shelves: 589 / 9 = 65.
In Roman Numerals, 65 is LXV.
A runner finishes a marathon in CLXXXIX minutes. If he ran another marathon in the same time, how many minutes did he spend running both marathons?
The total time spent running is CCCLXXVIII minutes.
CLXXXIX is 189. If the runner completes two marathons in this time, multiply the time by 2: 189 × 2 = 378.
In Roman Numerals, 378 can be written as CCCLXXVIII.
What is the difference between CX and LXXXIX?
The difference between CX and LXXXIX is XXI.
CX is 110 and LXXXIX is 89.
The difference is found by subtracting the two numbers: 110 - 89 = 21.
In Roman Numerals, 21 is XXI.
Express the sum of 89 and 58 using the expansion method in Roman Numerals.
The Roman numeral for 89 + 58 is CXLVII.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 89 and 58 into Roman numerals:
89 - LXXXIX
58 - LVIII
Add the numbers together: 89 + 58 = 147. Using the expansion method: 147 = 100 + 40 + 7 = CXLVII.
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.