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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 numbering system. Roman numerals are often found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols (I and II) and wondered what they represent? These are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed for counting. Ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system. 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 CCCLXXXI to represent 381, where CCC is 300, L is 50, XXX is 30, and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing 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 a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, CCCLXXXI → CCC + L + XXX + I → 300 + 50 + 30 + 1 = 381.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write large numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
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 example, we don't write CCCC for 400; instead, we use CD.
Let’s learn how to write 381 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. In this section, we will learn how to write 381 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 381 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 381, we write it as 300 + 50 + 30 + 1.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals:
300 in Roman numerals: CCC
50 in Roman numerals: L
30 in Roman numerals: XXX
1 in Roman numerals: I
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together:
Therefore, 381 in Roman numerals is CCC + L + XXX + I = CCCLXXXI.
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the numbers:
To write 381 in Roman numerals, we group 381 as 300 + 50 + 30 + 1:
300 in Roman numerals: CCC
50 in Roman numerals: L
30 in Roman numerals: XXX
1 in Roman numerals: I
So, 381 is written as CCCLXXXI in Roman numerals.
A historian is examining two ancient scrolls, one marked with the Roman numeral CLX and the other with CCXXI. Calculate the combined historical age represented by these scrolls in Roman numerals.
A collector has CCCLXXXI rare coins and wants to distribute them equally among XIX friends. How many coins will each friend receive?
Find the difference between the value of CD in ancient treasures and CCCLXXXI in current market value.
Write the Roman numeral for the sum of CXC and CLXI using the expansion method.
A puzzle requires you to decipher the Roman numeral equivalent of the mathematical expression (LXXXI + CCC). What is the equivalent Roman numeral?
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.