Last updated on May 26th, 2025
To meet their daily commerce and administration needs, the ancient Romans developed Roman Numerals. It used a combination of seven symbols — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent numbers. Roman numerals were used to record transactions, keep track of data, and label military units. In this topic, we are going to learn about the Roman numeral MCMXCV.
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. To overcome this complexity, the Roman numeric system was developed. This system was widely used throughout Europe as a standard writing system until the late Middle Ages.
Seven symbols are used to represent numbers in the Roman numeric system — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. The numerals are made up of different combinations of these symbols. MCMXCV in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding and subtracting the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., MCMXCV = 1995.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral MCMXCV, how we write it, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.
When writing Roman numerals, there are a few rules that we need to follow based on the numerals we are trying to write. In this section, we will learn about the rules when writing Roman numerals and how to represent them.
When a larger symbol is followed by a smaller symbol, we add the numerals to each other. For example, in VIII, we have 5 + 3 = 8.
A symbol that is repeated up to three times in succession increases the value of the numeral. For example, XXX = 30.
We use the subtraction method when a smaller symbol precedes a larger symbol. For example, XL = 40 (which is 50 - 10).
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols, such as V, L, and D, cannot be repeated more than once. For example, 10 is represented as X and not VV.
Let us learn about how to write MCMXCV in Roman numerals. There are two methods we can use to write Roman numerals:
The breaking down of Roman numerals into parts and then converting them into numbers is what we call the expansion method. This involves breaking down Roman numerals into numerical form and adding or subtracting them to get the final number.
Step 1: Break the Roman numerals into parts.
Step 2: Now write each of the Roman numerals with its numerical digit in the place value.
Step 3: Add or subtract the numerals together.
For MCMXCV,
Step 1: First, we break the Roman numerals. MCMXCV = M + CM + XC + V
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral M is 1000 The Roman Numeral CM is 900 The Roman Numeral XC is 90 The Roman Numeral V is 5
Step 3: Combine all the numbers M + CM + XC + V = 1000 + 900 + 90 + 5 = 1995. Therefore, the Roman Numeral MCMXCV is 1995.
Using subtraction and addition rules, we will apply the grouping method. This means we break the Roman numerals into smaller groups, making them easier to work with. This method groups the Roman numerals logically, and then we write the numbers for each group.
Step 1: Take the largest number and write the number for that Roman numeral.
Step 2: Write the Roman numeral using the subtraction and addition rules.
Example: Let’s take the Roman numeral MCMXCV.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are M, CM, XC, and V. The numeral for M is 1000 The numeral for CM is 900
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place. Add XC and V to CM to get MCMXCV. The numeral for XC is 90 The numeral for V is 5 Therefore, the numeral of MCMXCV is 1995.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make and ways to avoid them.
What is the product of MCMXCV and II? Write the answer in Roman numerals.
The product is MMMCMXC
Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal form:
MCMXCV = 1995
II = 2
Now multiply the numbers:
1995 × 2 = 3990
Convert 3990 into its Roman numeral:
3000 (MMM) + 900 (CM) + 90 (XC) = MMMCMXC
Find the sum of MCMXCV and DL. Write the answer in Roman numerals.
The sum is MMCDXLV
Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal form:
MCMXCV = 1995
DL = 550
Now add both numbers:
1995 + 550 = 2545
Now convert the number into its Roman numeral:
2000 (MM) + 500 (D) + 40 (XL) + 5 (V) = MMCDXLV
What is the difference between MMM and MCMXCV? Write in Roman numerals.
The difference is MV
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal form:
MMM = 3000
MCMXCV = 1995
Now we subtract the numbers:
3000 - 1995 = 1005
Convert the number into its Roman numeral:
1000 (M) + 5 (V) = MV
Divide MCMXCV by V and write the answer in Roman numerals.
CCCXCIX
Convert MCMXCV into its decimal form:
MCMXCV = 1995
Divide by 5:
1995 / 5 = 399
Write 399 in Roman numerals:
300 (CCC) + 90 (XC) + 9 (IX) = CCCXCIX
Convert MCMXCV into its decimal form.
In decimal form, MCMXCV is 1995
Break MCMXCV into components:
M = 1000
CM = 900
XC = 90
V = 5
Add values:
1000 + 900 + 90 + 5 = 1995
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.