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. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are the Roman Numerals. Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. to count earlier. 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 CDXCVII to represent 497. Here, CD is 400, XC is 90, and VII is 7. 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, then it is the addition method. For example, VII → V + II → 5 + 2 = 7 Rule 2: Repetition Method To write a large number, there are certain Roman Numerals that can be repeated three times. III → 3. Rule 3: Subtraction Method If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number. This is a subtraction method. For example, XC → C - X → 100 - 10 = 90 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, and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 497 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 497 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 497 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps: Step 1: The number is broken based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 497, we write it as 400 + 90 + 7. Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals: 400 in Roman Numerals — CD 90 in Roman Numerals — XC 7 in Roman Numerals — VII Step 3: Combining the Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 497 in Roman Numerals is CD (400) + XC (90) + VII (7) = CDXCVII
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 497 in Roman Numerals, we group 497 as 400 + 90 + 7. 400 in Roman Numerals — CD 90 in Roman Numerals — XC 7 in Roman Numerals — VII So, 497 is written as CDXCVII 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.
Addition method: The addition method is used when a large number is followed by a smaller numeral; here, the values are added. For example, CDXCVII = CD + XC + VII = 400 + 90 + 7 = 497 Grouping method: Here, the given numbers are grouped based on their place value, and then we convert each group into its Roman numerals. For example, 497 = 400 + 90 + 7 = CDXCVII Repetition rule: Certain symbols (I, X, C, M) in the Roman numeric system can be repeated only up to three times. For example, III = 3 (I is repeated three times to represent the number 3). Subtraction method: This method is used when a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, indicating subtraction. For example, XC = C - X = 100 - 10 = 90 Limitation rule: This defines how specific symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated in succession. For example, instead of writing VV for 10, you write X.
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.