Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used. Roman numerals are often found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. In this article, we will explore Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
You might have come across royal titles like Louis XIV or Elizabeth II and wondered about the Roman numerals. These numerals have a long history, with ancient Romans using them for counting as life became more complex.
The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used for counting. For 2020, Roman numerals are written as MMXX, where M stands for 1000 and X stands for 10.
Let's delve deeper into Roman numerals and how to write them.
Writing numbers in Roman numerals follows certain basic rules. Let's discuss some key rules to remember:
When a smaller numeral follows a larger numeral, their values are added. For example, MMXX → M + M + X + X → 1000 + 1000 + 10 + 10 = 2020
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For instance, XXX → 30.
When a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, the smaller is subtracted from the larger. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, 40 is XL, not XXXX.
Let's learn how to write 2020 in Roman numerals. There are two methods: By Expansion Method By Grouping Method
Using the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on place value. Here's how to write 2020 in Roman numerals:
Step 1: Break down the number by place value: 2000 + 20
Step 2: Convert to Roman numerals:
2000 in Roman numerals is MM
20 in Roman numerals is XX
Step 3: Combine them: MM (2000) + XX (20) = MMXX
For large numbers, grouping helps in writing Roman numerals.
For 2020: Group: 2000 + 20
2000 in Roman numerals is MM
20 in Roman numerals is XX
Thus, 2020 is written as MMXX in Roman numerals.
Mistakes in writing Roman numerals are common. Here are some errors and tips to avoid them.
A historian discovers that MMXX ancient scrolls are stored in a library and plans to distribute them equally among XL librarians. How many scrolls will each librarian receive?
Each librarian will receive LI scrolls.
To determine how many scrolls each librarian receives, divide the total number of scrolls by the number of librarians.
MMXX = 2020
XL = 40
2020 / 40 = 50.5
Since scrolls cannot be divided, each librarian receives LI (51) whole scrolls, and some scrolls remain.
A time capsule is set to be opened after MMXX years, which started from the year MD. In which year will it be opened?
The time capsule will be opened in the year MMMXX.
To find the opening year, add the starting year to the duration.
MD = 1500
MMXX = 2020
1500 + 2020 = 3520
3520 in Roman Numerals is written as MMMXX.
An artist is creating a mural that represents the year MMXX using Roman numerals. She decides to paint MCMXCIX and XXI next to each other. What does this represent?
The mural represents the years MCMXCIX and XXI as MMXX.
Add the two Roman numerals to find the year they represent together:
MCMXCIX = 1999
XXI = 21
1999 + 21 = 2020
Thus, MCMXCIX and XXI together represent MMXX.
A mathematician wants to show that the sum of M and M, when added to XX, equals MMXX. Verify this statement.
The statement is correct; the sum is MMXX.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers and perform the addition:
M = 1000
M = 1000
XX = 20
1000 + 1000 + 20 = 2020
2020 in Roman Numerals is written as MMXX.
A puzzle involves rearranging the numerals in MMXX to form two separate numbers that sum to MMXX. Find one such pair.
One such pair is MD (1500) and DXX (520).
To find a pair, convert MMXX to its numerical value, 2020, and find two numbers that sum to it:
MD = 1500
DXX = 520
1500 + 520 = 2020
Hence, MD and DXX form a pair that sums to MMXX.
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.