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Last updated on February 21st, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used in this system. Roman numerals are found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, the rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, etc., use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent? Those are Roman numerals. People in ancient times used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count.
As life became more complex, a standard form was required for counting. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system for this purpose. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used.
In Roman numerals, we use CLXXXV to represent 185; here, C is 100, L is 50, XXX is 30, and V is 5. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing a number in Roman numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some basic 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, CLXXXV → C + L + X + X + X + V → 100 + 50 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 5 = 185.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write certain larger numbers, particular Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
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, and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 185 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on its place value. Here’s how to write 185 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 185, write it as 100 + 80 + 5.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
- 100 in Roman numerals is C.
- 80 in Roman numerals is LXXX.
- 5 in Roman numerals is V.
Step 3: Combine these Roman numerals together.
Thus, 185 in Roman numerals is C (100) + LXXX (80) + V (5) = CLXXXV.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 185 in Roman numerals, group 185 as 100 + 80 + 5:
- 100 in Roman numerals is C.
- 80 in Roman numerals is LXXX.
- 5 in Roman numerals is V.
So, 185 is written as CLXXXV in Roman numerals.
A historian is organizing CLXXXV ancient coins into V boxes. How many coins will each box contain?
A library has acquired a collection of CLXXXV books. If each shelf can hold XXV books, how many full shelves will there be?
Calculate the sum of LXXX and CV.
A painter wants to distribute CLXXXV paintbrushes evenly among XV artists. How many paintbrushes will each artist receive?
Write the Roman numeral for the result of 185 - 100 using the subtraction method.
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.