Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of expressing numbers using specific symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. These numerals appear in various contexts, such as royal titles, book chapters, and sequences. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
When you see royal titles like Henry VIII, you might wonder what the symbols (VIII) represent. Those are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, and bones. As life became more complex, a standardized form was needed. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
For 118, we use CXVIII in Roman numerals, where C represents 100, X is 10, and VIII is 8. Let’s delve deeper into Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are basic rules for writing numbers using Roman numerals. Let's discuss these rules:
Rule 1: Addition Method
When a smaller numeral is placed after a larger one, their values are added. For example, CXVIII → C + X + VIII → 100 + 10 + 8 = 118.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, VIII → 8, using V (5) and III (3).
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, the smaller is subtracted from the larger. 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 use X for 10 instead of VV, and for 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 118 in Roman numerals using different methods:
In this method, numbers are broken down based on place value:
Step 1: Break down the number by place value. For 118, it’s 100 + 10 + 8.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
- 100 in Roman numerals — C
- 10 in Roman numerals — X
- 8 in Roman numerals — VIII
Step 3: Combine them: C + X + VIII = CXVIII.
For larger numbers, group them:
To write 118 in Roman numerals, group it as 100 + 10 + 8.
- 100 in Roman numerals — C
- 10 in Roman numerals — X
- 8 in Roman numerals — VIII
Therefore, 118 is written as CXVIII.
Students often make mistakes when writing Roman numerals. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
A historian wants to divide a collection of MMCCCXVII artifacts among XIX museums. How many artifacts does each museum receive?
Each museum receives CXXIII artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts per museum, divide the total artifacts by the number of museums.
MMCCCXVII = 2317
XIX = 19
2317 ÷ 19 = 122
122 in Roman numerals is CXXII.
Thus, each museum receives CXXII artifacts.
Find the sum of LIX and LIX.
The sum of LIX and LIX is CXVIII
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
LIX = 59
59 + 59 = 118
118 in Roman Numerals is CXVIII.
The sum of LIX and LIX is CXVIII.
A clock shows the time as VII. What will be the time in Roman numerals if 111 more minutes have passed?
The time will be IX.
111 minutes is 1 hour and 51 minutes. Adding this to VII (7 AM or PM):
VII = 7 (7 AM or PM)
7 + 2 = 9
9 in Roman numerals is IX.
Therefore, the time will be IX.
Calculate the difference between CL and XXXII.
The difference between CL and XXXII is CXVIII.
The difference of two numbers is obtained by subtracting the smaller from the larger.
CL = 150
XXXII = 32
150 - 32 = 118
118 in Roman Numerals can be written as CXVIII.
The difference between CL and XXXII is CXVIII.
Write the Roman Numeral for 60 + 58 using the expansion method.
The Roman for 60 + 58 is CXVIII.
First convert the numbers 60 and 58 into Roman numerals.
60 - LX
58 - LVIII
Add the numbers together: 60 + 58 = 118
Using expansion method: 118 = 100 + 10 + 8 = CXVIII
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.