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.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represent? Those are Roman numerals. Earlier people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more 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 CMXCVI to represent 996, where CM is 900, XC is 90, and VI is 6.
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, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
To write certain numbers, there are Roman numerals that can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9
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 996 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 996 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 996 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 996, we write it as 900 + 90 + 6
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman numerals
Step 3: Combining the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 996 in Roman numerals is CM (900) + XC (90) + VI (6) = CMXCVI
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 996 in Roman numerals, we group 996 as 900 + 90 + 6
So, 996 is written as CMXCVI 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 ways to avoid them.
Calculate the total number of hours in XLI days if each day has XXIV hours.
The total number of hours in XLI days is CMXCVI hours.
To find the total hours in XLI days, multiply the number of days by the number of hours per day. XLI = 41 and XXIV = 24 41 × 24 = 984 The total hours are CMXCVI because 984 in Roman numerals is CMXCVI.
A historian is analyzing records showing a population of DCCCCXCVI people in a town and finds that CXXIII have moved away. What is the new population?
The new population is DCCCLXXIII.
To find the new population, subtract the number of people who moved away from the original population. Original population = DCCCCXCVI = 996
People moved away = CXXIII = 123
996 - 123 = 873
873 in Roman numerals is DCCCLXXIII.
A construction company has CMXCVI bricks and uses CCCXLII for a project. How many bricks are left?
There are DCLIV bricks left.
Subtract the number of bricks used from the total number of bricks.
Total bricks = CMXCVI = 996
Bricks used = CCCXLII = 342
996 - 342 = 654
654 in Roman numerals is DCLIV.
An art gallery has CM paintings, and it adds XCVI new paintings. How many paintings are there now?
The gallery now has CMXCVI paintings.
Add the number of new paintings to the existing number of paintings. Existing paintings = CM = 900
New paintings = XCVI = 96
900 + 96 = 996
996 in Roman numerals is CMXCVI.
A marathon runner completed a total of CMXCVI kilometers over several races. If they averaged XXIV kilometers per race, how many races did they complete?
The runner completed XLI races.
To find the number of races, divide the total kilometers by the average kilometers per race. Total kilometers = CMXCVI = 996
Average per race = XXIV = 24
996 ÷ 24 = 41
41 in Roman numerals is XLI.
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.