Table Of Contents
Last updated on March 29th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals. Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. to count earlier. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use to count.
In Roman numerals, we use CCLI to represent 251, where C is 100, L is 50, and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to write a number in Roman numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some basic rules that need to be remembered when writing a number in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, CCLI → C + C + L + I → 100 + 100 + 50 + 1 = 251.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a large number, there are certain Roman numerals that can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, XL → L - X → 50 - 10 = 40.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
The symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we won't write LL for 100; instead, we use C.
Let’s now learn how to write 251 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, based on the place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 251 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 251 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place value that is ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 251, we write it as 200 + 50 + 1.
Step 2: Converting the numbers into Roman numerals:
200 in Roman numerals — CC
50 in Roman numerals — L
1 in Roman numerals — I
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 251 in Roman numerals is CC (200) + L (50) + I (1) = CCLI.
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the numbers.
To write 251 in Roman numerals, we group 251 as 200 + 50 + 1.
200 in Roman numerals — CC
50 in Roman numerals — L
1 in Roman numerals — I
So, 251 is written as CCLI in Roman numerals.
A historian is studying ancient Roman artifacts and finds two pieces marked with CXXV and CXXVI. Find the sum of these two numbers in Roman numerals.
An architect is designing a Roman-inspired amphitheater with a seating capacity of DXXII. If half the seats are reserved for a special event, how many seats are reserved?
A mathematician is comparing two Roman numerals: CD and CCLI. What is the difference between these two numbers?
A museum curator has CLIV artifacts and plans to acquire XCVII more. What will be the total number of artifacts?
Convert the number 251 into Roman numerals using the expansion 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.