Last updated on May 26th, 2025
To meet their daily commerce and administration needs, the ancient Romans developed Roman Numerals. It used a combination of seven symbols — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent numbers. Roman numerals were used to record transactions, keep track of data, and label military units. In this topic, we are going to learn about the Roman numeral MCMLXXXIX.
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. So to overcome the complexity, the Roman numeric system was developed. This was widely used throughout Europe as a standard writing system until the late Middle Ages.
Seven symbols are used to represent numbers in the Roman numeric system — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. The numerals are made up of different combinations of these symbols. MCMLXXXIX in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding and subtracting the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., MCMLXXXIX = 1989.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral MCMLXXXIX, how we write them, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.
When writing Roman numerals, there are a few rules that we need to follow based on the Roman numerals we are trying to write. In this section, we will learn about the rules when writing Roman numerals and how to represent them.
When a larger symbol is followed by a smaller symbol, we add the numerals to each other. For example, in VIII, we have 5 + 3 = 8
A symbol that is repeated three times in continuation increases the value of the numeral. For example, XXX = 30
We use the subtraction method when a smaller symbol precedes a larger symbol. For example, XL = 40 (which is 50 – 10).
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols, such as V, L, and D cannot be repeated more than once. For example, 10 is represented as X and not VV.
Let us learn about how to write MCMLXXXIX in Roman numerals. There are two methods that we can use to write Roman numerals:
The breaking down of Roman numerals into parts and then converting them into numerals is what we call the expansion method. The expansion method involves breaking down Roman numerals into numerical form and adding or subtracting them to get the final number.
Step 1: Break the Roman numerals into parts.
Step 2: Now write each of the Roman numerals with its numerical digit in the place value.
Step 3: Add or subtract the numerals accordingly.
For MCMLXXXIX,
Step 1: First, we break the Roman numerals. MCMLXXXIX = M + CM + L + XXX + IX
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral M is 1000 The Roman Numeral CM is 900 The Roman Numeral L is 50 The Roman Numeral XXX is 30 The Roman Numeral IX is 9
Step 3: Combine all the numbers M + CM + L + XXX + IX = 1000 + 900 + 50 + 30 + 9 = 1989. Therefore, the Roman Numeral MCMLXXXIX is 1989.
Using subtraction and addition rules, we will apply the grouping method. This means we break the Roman numerals into smaller groups, which makes it easier to work with. This method groups the Roman numerals logically, and then we write the numbers for each group.
Step 1: Take the largest number and write the number for that Roman numeral.
Step 2: Write the Roman numeral using the subtraction and addition rules.
Example: Let’s take the Roman numeral MCMLXXXIX.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are M, CM, L, XXX, and IX. The numeral for M is 1000 The numeral for CM is 900 The numeral for L is 50 The numeral for XXX is 30 The numeral for IX is 9
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place. Here we add 1000 + 900 + 50 + 30 + 9 to get MCMLXXXIX. Therefore, the numeral of MCMLXXXIX is 1989.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.
What is the result of MCMLXXXIX + XI? Write the answer in Roman numerals.
The sum is MM
Convert both Roman numerals into decimal form:
MCMLXXXIX = 1989
XI = 11
Now add both numbers: 1989 + 11 = 2000
Convert 2000 into its Roman numeral: 2000 = MM
Subtract CCC from MCMLXXXIX. Write the result in Roman numerals.
The difference is MDCLXXXIX
Convert the Roman numerals into decimal form:
MCMLXXXIX = 1989
CCC = 300
Now subtract the numbers: 1989 - 300 = 1689
Convert 1689 into its Roman numeral: 1000 (M) + 600 (DC) + 80 (LXXX) + 9 (IX) = MDCLXXXIX
Divide MCMLXXXIX by III and write the answer in Roman numerals.
DCXCVI
Convert MCMLXXXIX into decimal form:
MCMLXXXIX = 1989
Divide by 3: 1989 / 3 = 663
Write 663 in Roman numerals: 600 (DC) + 60 (LX) + 3 (III) = DCXCVI
Calculate the product of MCMLXXXIX and II.
MMMMDCCCLXXVIII
Write MCMLXXXIX and II in decimal form:
MCMLXXXIX = 1989
II = 2
Multiply the numbers: 1989 × 2 = 3978
Convert 3978 into its Roman numerals: 3000 (MMM) + 900 (CM) + 70 (LXX) + 8 (VIII) = MMMMDCCCLXXVIII
Convert MCMLXXXIX into its decimal form.
In decimal form, MCMLXXXIX is 1989
Break MCMLXXXIX into components:
M = 1000
CM = 900 (1000 - 100)
LXXX = 80 (50 + 10 + 10 + 10)
IX = 9 (10 - 1)
Add values: 1000 + 900 + 80 + 9 = 1989
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.