Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a method of expressing numbers using symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are used in various contexts such as royal titles, book names, and sequences. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, and so forth, often use Roman numerals. Have you ever wondered what these symbols represent? They are Roman numerals.
In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, and bones to count. As life became more complex, a standardized counting system was required. Ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system for counting. The symbols used are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we represent 1989 as MCMLXXXIX. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. In this section, we will discuss some basic rules to remember when writing numbers in Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, subtract the smaller number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4
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. For 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 1989 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals:
In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on their place value. Here, we learn how to write 1989 in Roman numerals using this method. To write 1989 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value: thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 1989, it is 1000 + 900 + 80 + 9.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals. Therefore, 1989 in Roman numerals is M (1000) + CM (900) + LXXX (80) + IX (9) = MCMLXXXIX
When writing large numbers in Roman numerals, we group the numbers. To write 1989 in Roman numerals, group 1989 as 1000 + 900 + 80 + 9:
Thus, 1989 is written as MCMLXXXIX in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn from common mistakes and how to avoid them.
If a historian finds MCMLXXXIX coins in an ancient treasure and divides them equally among IX archaeologists, how many coins does each archaeologist receive?
Each archaeologist receives CCXLI coins.
To find the number of coins each archaeologist receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of archaeologists.
MCMLXXXIX = 1989
IX = 9
1989 ÷ 9 = 221
221 in Roman numerals can be written as CCXLI.
A library catalog lists MCMLXXXIX books published in Latin. If each shelf holds L books, how many full shelves are there, and how many books are left over?
There are XXXIX full shelves, with XXXIX books left over.
To find the number of full shelves and leftover books, divide the total number of books by the capacity of each shelf. MCMLXXXIX = 1989
L = 50
1989 ÷ 50 = 39
R39 Therefore, there are 39 full shelves and 39 books left over. 39 in Roman numerals is XXXIX.
A collector adds MCMLXXXIX and CCC to his collection of rare coins. What is the total number of coins in Roman numerals?
The total number of coins is MMCCLXXXIX.
To find the total number of coins, add the two quantities.
MCMLXXXIX = 1989
CCC = 300
1989 + 300 = 2289
2289 in Roman numerals is MMCCLXXXIX.
A historical manuscript notes a difference of M between two significant years, one of which is MCMLXXXIX. What is the other year in Roman numerals?
The other year is CMLXXXIX.
To find the other year, subtract the difference from one of the years.
Difference = M = 1000
MCMLXXXIX = 1989
1989 - 1000 = 989
989 in Roman numerals is CMLXXXIX.
Convert the sum of 1989 and 1789 into Roman numerals using the expansion method.
The sum of 1989 and 1789 is MMMDCCLXXVIII.
Step 1: Convert the individual numbers to Roman numerals.
1989 = MCMLXXXIX
1789 = MDCCLXXXIX
Add the numbers together: 1989 + 1789 = 3778
Using the expansion method: 3778 = 3000 + 700 + 70 + 8 = MMMDCCLXXVIII
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.