Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way 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 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 to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use to count.
In Roman numerals, we use DCCLXXXV to represent 785, where D is 500, C is 100, L is 50, X is 10, and V is 5. 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. For example, DCCLXXXV → D + C + C + L + X + X + V → 500 + 100 + 100 + 50 + 10 + 10 + 5 = 785
To write a large number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For instance, CCC → 300.
If a smaller number precedes a larger one, we subtract the smaller number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4
The symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we won't write DDD for 1500; instead, we use MD for 1500.
Let’s now learn how to write 785 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the 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 785 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 785 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break down the number based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 785, we write it as 700 + 80 + 5.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 785 in Roman numerals is DCC (700) + LXXX (80) + V (5) = DCCLXXXV
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 785 in Roman numerals, we group 785 as 700 + 80 + 5.
So, 785 is written as DCCLXXXV 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 finds CLXV ancient coins divided equally among V settlements. How many coins does each settlement receive?
Each settlement receives XXXIII coins.
To find the number of coins each settlement receives, we divide the total number of coins by the number of settlements.
CLXV = 165 V = 5
Therefore, CLXV / V = 165 / 5 = 33.
33 in Roman Numerals can be written as XXXIII.
A builder uses DCCLXXXV bricks to construct a wall. If he has already used DLXX bricks, how many more bricks are needed?
The builder needs CCXV more bricks.
To find out how many more bricks are needed, subtract the number already used from the total planned.
DCCLXXXV = 785
DLXX = 570
785 - 570 = 215
215 in Roman Numerals is CCXV.
What is the sum of CCL and DXXXV?
The sum of CCL and DXXXV is DCCLXXXV.
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
CCL = 250
DXXXV = 535
250 + 535 = 785
785 in Roman Numerals is DCCLXXXV.
Calculate the difference between DCCC and DCCLXXXV.
The difference between DCCC and DCCLXXXV is XV.
The difference of two numbers is the value we get when subtracting one number from the other.
DCCC = 800
DCCLXXXV = 785
800 - 785 = 15
15 in Roman Numerals can be written as XV.
Using the expansion method, write the Roman Numeral for 500 + 285.
The Roman numeral for 500 + 285 is DCCLXXXV.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 500 and 285 into Roman numerals.
500 - D
285 - CCLXXXV
Add the numbers together: 500 + 285 = 785
Using the expansion method: 785 = 500 + 200 + 80 + 5 = DCCLXXXV.
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.