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Last updated on April 1st, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols we use are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. 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. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are the Roman numerals. Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. 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 CCXVII to represent 217, where CC is 200, X is 10, and VII is 7. 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.
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, CCXVII → CC + X + VII → 200 + 10 + 7 = 217
To write a large number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. III → 3.
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number. This is called the subtraction method. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9
Certain symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated at all. For example, we won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X, and for 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 217 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 217 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 217 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 217, we write it as 200 + 10 + 7.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals.
200 in Roman Numerals — CC
10 in Roman Numerals — X
7 in Roman Numerals — VII
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 217 in Roman numerals is CC (200) + X (10) + VII (7) = CCXVII.
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 217 in Roman numerals, we group 217 as 200 + 10 + 7.
200 in Roman Numerals — CC
10 in Roman Numerals — X
7 in Roman Numerals — VII
So, 217 is written as CCXVII in Roman numerals.
A historian is organizing a collection of ancient coins. He finds CCXVII coins and decides to distribute them equally into XXV display cases. How many coins will each display case contain? Solution: Each display case will contain VIII coins.
A Roman architect is designing a monument and needs to calculate the total height. If the base is L feet and the upper structure is CLXVII feet, what is the total height of the monument?
A Roman scholar is translating ancient texts. He finds CCCXVII references to a particular event and needs to subtract the ones already studied, which amount to C. How many references are left to study?
An artist is creating a mural featuring two significant Roman years: CL and LXVII. What is the combined representation of these years in Roman numerals?
A teacher is explaining ancient Roman festivals and mentions that a particular festival spanned from day III to day CCXVII of the year. How many days in total did the festival last?
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.