Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used. Roman numerals appear in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
You might have seen royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on. Have you noticed these names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are the Roman numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became complex, a standard form of counting was required. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used to count.
In Roman numerals, we use CCCLV to represent 355. Here, CCC is 300, L is 50, and V is 5. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
Certain basic rules 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, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to form a larger number. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, the smaller number is subtracted from the larger number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9
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 write 10 as X, not VV.
Let’s learn how to write 355 in Roman numerals using different methods.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value.
To write 355 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 355, we write it as 300 + 50 + 5.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
300 in Roman numerals is CCC.
50 in Roman numerals is L.
5 in Roman numerals is V.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together:
Therefore, 355 in Roman numerals is CCC + L + V = CCCLV.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number.
To write 355 in Roman numerals, we group 355 as 300 + 50 + 5:
300 in Roman numerals is CCC.
50 in Roman numerals is L.
5 in Roman numerals is V.
So, 355 is written as CCCLV in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them:
A historian is examining CCCLV ancient scrolls and wants to distribute them equally among XXV libraries. How many scrolls will each library receive?
Each library will receive XIV scrolls.
To find the number of scrolls each library receives, divide the total number of scrolls by the number of libraries.
CCCLV = 355
XXV = 25
Therefore, CCCLV / XXV = 355 / 25 = 14.
14 in Roman numerals can be written as XIV.
An archaeologist found a collection of artifacts labeled CLV and CC. Determine the total number of artifacts.
The total number of artifacts is CCCLV.
To find the total, add the numbers of artifacts together.
CLV = 155
CC = 200
155 + 200 = 355
355 in Roman Numerals is CCCLV.
A museum exhibit showcases a series of paintings numbered as CXC and CLXV. What is the sum of these numbers?
The sum is CCCLV.
Add the numbers together to find the total.
CXC = 190
CLXV = 165
190 + 165 = 355
355 in Roman Numerals is CCCLV.
A library has a collection of CCCLXX books, and over the years, XV books have been lost. How many books are left in the collection?
There are CCCLV books left in the collection.
Subtract the number of lost books from the original collection.
CCCLXX = 370
XV = 15
370 - 15 = 355
355 in Roman Numerals is CCCLV.
Express the difference between CD and XLV in Roman Numerals.
The difference is CCCLV.
Subtract the second number from the first number.
CD = 400
XLV = 45
400 - 45 = 355
355 in Roman Numerals is CCCLV.
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.