Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. They are used in various contexts such as royal titles, book names, and sequences. Here, we will discuss Roman Numerals, their rules, and examples.
Roman numerals are seen in royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on. Have you noticed these symbols (I, II) and wondered what they represented? They are Roman Numerals. In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard form for counting was needed.
Ancient Romans used 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 use MCM to represent 1900. Here, M is 1000, CM is 900 (1000 - 100).
Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
Certain basic rules must be followed to write a number in Roman Numerals. Let's discuss some of these rules that need to be remembered.
The addition method is used when a smaller numeral is placed after a larger numeral. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
Certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, it is subtracted. 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 won’t write VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let's learn how to write 1900 in Roman Numerals using different methods:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here is how to write 1900 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: thousands, hundreds, tens, ones. For 1900, we write it as 1000 + 900.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman Numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals: Therefore, 1900 in Roman Numerals is M + CM = MCM.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, group the number. To write 1900 in Roman Numerals, group it as 1000 + 900.
So, 1900 is written as MCM in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing a number in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.
If a historian finds a manuscript dated MDCCC and another dated MDCCCXX, what is the total in Roman numerals of the years these manuscripts represent?
The total of the years MDCCC and MDCCCXX is MMMDCXX.
MDCCC is 1800 and MDCCCXX is 1820.
Adding these together gives 1800 + 1820 = 3620.
In Roman numerals, 3620 is expressed as MMMDCXX.
A collection of ancient coins has a total value of MCM coins. If each coin has a value of III, how many coins are there in total?
There are DCCXXXIII coins in total.
MCM is 1900.
Dividing the total value by the value of each coin gives 1900 / 3 = 633.33.
Since the number of coins must be whole, we consider the integer part, which is 633.
In Roman numerals, 633 is DCCXXXIII.
The population of a historical city in the year MDCCC was recorded as CMXL. If the population increased by CCL by the year MCM, what was the population in MCM?
The population in the year MCM was MCLXXXX.
The population in the year MDCCC is 940 (CMXL).
An increase of 250 (CCL) makes the population 940 + 250 = 1190.
In Roman numerals, 1190 is written as MCLXXXX.
A rare book from the year MCM has a page marked CXC on one side and what would it be on the opposite if it is a consecutive page?
The page on the opposite side would be CXC.
Page CXC is 190.
The next consecutive page would be 191, which in Roman numerals is CXCI.
Therefore, the page on the opposite side of CXC is CXCI.
Convert the sum of DCCCXLIX and MLI into Roman numerals.
The sum of DCCCXLIX and MLI is MM.
DCCCXLIX is 849 and MLI is 1051.
Adding these gives 849 + 1051 = 1900.
In Roman numerals, 1900 is written as MCM.
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.