Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of expressing numbers using specific symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M represent different values. Roman numerals are commonly used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, the rules for writing them, and provide examples.
In royal titles like Henry I, Henry II, Roman numerals are used to indicate order. These symbols (I and II) represent numbers. In earlier times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed. Ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system for counting. 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, we use IX to represent 9, where X is 10 and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss some fundamental rules to remember when writing a number in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
When a smaller number is placed after a larger number, it is the addition method. For example, XI → X + I → 10 + 1 = 11.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
When a smaller number precedes a larger number, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. 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 example, we don't write VV for 10; instead, we use X. Similarly, 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 9 in Roman numerals using different methods: the Expansion Method and the Grouping Method.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 9 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value.
For 9, we express it as 10 - 1.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals.
10 in Roman numerals — X
1 in Roman numerals — I
Step 3: Apply the subtraction method.
Therefore, 9 in Roman numerals is X (10) - I (1) = IX.
When writing numbers in Roman numerals, we can group them as needed.
To write 9 in Roman numerals, we consider the subtraction grouping: 10 - 1.
10 in Roman numerals — X
1 in Roman numerals — I
So, 9 is written as IX in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
A historian finds IX ancient coins buried in the ground. He then discovers V more coins the next day. How many coins does he have in total now?
The total number of coins is XIV.
Initially, there are IX coins, which is 9, and he finds V more, which is 5.
9 + 5 = 14
14 in Roman Numerals is XIV.
An archaeologist discovers an old manuscript that mentions a meeting of IX tribal leaders. Each leader brought III advisors. Calculate the total number of people present.
The total number of people present is XXXVI.
There are IX leaders, which is 9, and each brings III advisors, which is 3.
Total people = 9 leaders + (9 leaders × 3 advisors)
= 9 + 27
= 36
36 in Roman Numerals is XXXVI.
A puzzle requires arranging IX wooden blocks into a perfect square grid. How many blocks will be in each row or column?
Each row or column will have III blocks.
To form a perfect square grid with IX blocks, determine the square root of 9.
The square root of 9 is 3.
3 in Roman Numerals is III.
An ancient script describes a journey that takes IX days longer than a previously known journey of XXXI days. How long is this journey described in the script?
The journey described in the script is XL days long.
The previous journey lasts XXXI days, which is 31, and the new journey is IX days longer, which is 9.
31 + 9 = 40
40 in Roman Numerals is XL.
In a game, a player scores IX points in the first round and then doubles their score in the second round. What is their total score after two rounds?
The total score after two rounds is XXVII.
The player scores IX points in the first round, which is 9.
In the second round, they double this score, so they score 9 × 2 = 18.
Total score = 9 + 18 = 27
27 in Roman Numerals is XXVII.
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.