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Last updated on February 24th, 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 employed in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals. In earlier times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed. The ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system. The symbols we use for counting are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we use CXXVI to represent 126, where C is 100, XX is 20 (10+10), and VI is 6 (5+1). Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some basic rules that need to be remembered.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write larger numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XX → 20 (10+10).
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number is placed before 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 VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let’s now learn how to write 126 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods:
In the expansion method, based on the place value, the number is broken down. Here is how to write 126 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 126, we write it as 100 + 20 + 6.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
100 in Roman numerals — C
20 in Roman numerals — XX
6 in Roman numerals — VI
Step 3: Combine them together:
Therefore, 126 in Roman numerals is C (100) + XX (20) + VI (6) = CXXVI
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers together.
For 126, we group it as 100 + 20 + 6:
100 in Roman numerals — C
20 in Roman numerals — XX
6 in Roman numerals — VI
So, 126 is written as CXXVI in Roman numerals.
A historian discovers a scroll that mentions a battle involving CLXXVI soldiers. If each squad consisted of XIV soldiers, find out how many complete squads were formed.
An ancient artifact is said to have been created C years after another artifact was made. If the earlier artifact was made in the year MCM, find the year the newer artifact was made.
Find the difference between CC and CXXVI.
A collector has CXXVI unique coins and decides to distribute them equally among II friends. How many coins does each friend receive?
Write the Roman numeral for 126 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.