Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system 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 more. Here, we will be discussing Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, have often used Roman numerals. Have you noticed these names and wondered what the symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals.
Earlier, people used methods like counting with fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard form was required for counting. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use.
In Roman numerals, we use DCIII to represent 603, where D is 500, C is 100, and III is 3. 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, indicating an addition. For example, DCIII → D + C + III → 500 + 100 + 3 = 603
To write a number, there are certain Roman numerals that can be repeated up to three times. III → 3.
If a small number is followed by a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger one. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
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. Similarly, 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 603 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write this 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 603 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 603 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value, such as ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 603, we write it as 500 + 100 + 3
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals
500 in Roman Numerals - D
100 in Roman Numerals - C
3 in Roman Numerals - III
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 603 in Roman numerals is D (500) + C (100) + III (3) = DCIII
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 603 in Roman numerals, we group 603 as 500 + 100 + 3
500 in Roman Numerals — D
100 in Roman Numerals — C
3 in Roman Numerals — III
So, 603 is written as DCIII in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
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.