Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are the 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 more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent? Those are Roman numerals. In earlier times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed for counting. 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 used to count.
In Roman numerals, we use CII to represent 102. Here, C is 100, and II is 2. 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, CII → C + I + I → 100 + 1 + 1 = 102.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a large number, some Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, II → 2.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number comes before a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger 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 won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X. For 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 102 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 102 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 102 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value, such as ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 102, we write it as 100 + 2.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman numerals:
100 in Roman numerals is C.
2 in Roman numerals is II.
Step 3: Combine them into Roman numerals:
Therefore, 102 in Roman numerals is C (100) + II (2) = CII.
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number.
To write 102 in Roman numerals, we group 102 as 100 + 2:
So, 102 is written as CII in Roman numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
The sum of LII and L is CII.
The sum of LII and L is CII.
LII = 52
L = 50
52 + 50 = 102
102 in Roman numerals is CII.
A historian discovers CII ancient coins and wants to distribute them equally among II groups of archaeologists. How many coins will each group receive?
Each group will receive LI coins.
To find the number of coins each group receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of groups.
CII = 102
II = 2
102 / 2 = 51
51 in Roman numerals is LI.
What is the product of VI and XVII?
The product of VI and XVII is CII.
VI = 6
XVII = 17
6 × 17 = 102
102 in Roman numerals is CII.
A vault contains CII treasures. If XX treasures are removed, how many treasures rem
The number of treasures remaining is LXXXII.
CII = 102
XX = 20
102 - 20 = 82
82 in Roman numerals is LXXXII.
Write the Roman Numeral for 51 + 51 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 51 + 51 is CII.
Step 1: First convert the numbers 51 and 51 into Roman numerals.
51 - LI
51 - LI
Add the numbers together: 51 + 51 = 102
Using expansion method: 102 = 100 + 2 = CII.
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.