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 in this system. 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, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals. Earlier, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. When life became complex, a standard form was required. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system for counting. 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 XIX to represent 19, where X is 10, I is 1, and IX is 9. 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.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, XI → X + I → 10 + 1 = 11.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a large number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. III → 3.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a small number is placed before a large number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
The 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, and for 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 19 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
By Expansion Method
By Grouping Method
In the expansion method, based on the place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 19 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 19 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: tens and ones.
For 19, we write it as 10 + 9.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman numerals:
10 in Roman numerals — X
9 in Roman numerals — IX
Step 3: Combining the Roman numerals together:
Therefore, 19 in Roman numerals is X (10) + IX (9) = XIX
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number.
To write 19 in Roman numerals, we group 19 as 10 + 9:
10 in Roman numerals — X
9 in Roman numerals — IX
So, 19 is written as XIX 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 the ways to avoid them.
A historian is cataloging artifacts and finds XIX vases in one shipment and XLVII vases in another. How many vases does he have in total?
The total number of vases is LXVI.
XIX is 19 and XLVII is 47. Adding these gives 19 + 47 = 66. In Roman numerals, 66 is represented as LXVI.
A library received CLXXXIX new books and wants to distribute them equally among XIX shelves. How many books will each shelf contain?
Each shelf will contain X books.
CLXXXIX is 189, and XIX is 19. Dividing 189 by 19 gives 189 / 19 = 10. In Roman numerals, 10 is represented as X.
A teacher assigns a math problem where students must find the product of XIX and III. What is the product?
The product of XIX and III is LVII.
XIX is 19 and III is 3. Multiplying these gives 19 × 3 = 57. In Roman numerals, 57 is represented as LVII.
Two friends are comparing the ages of their pets. One pet is XXVIII years old, and the other is IX years old. What is the age difference?
The age difference is XIX.
XXVIII is 28 and IX is 9. Subtracting these gives 28 - 9 = 19. In Roman numerals, 19 is represented as XIX.
Convert the sum of 19 and 62 into Roman numerals using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 19 + 62 is LXXXI.
First, convert the numbers into Roman numerals:
19 - XIX
62 - LXII
Add the numbers together: 19 + 62 = 81
Using the expansion method: 81 = 50 + 30 + 1 = LXXXI.
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.