Last updated on May 26th, 2025
To meet their daily commerce and administration needs, the ancient Romans developed Roman Numerals. It used a combination of seven symbols — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent numbers. Roman numerals were used to record transactions, keep track of data, and label military units. In this topic, we are going to learn about the Roman numeral DCCVIII.
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. So to overcome the complexity, the Roman numeric system was developed. This was widely used throughout Europe as a standard writing system until the late Middle Ages. Seven symbols are used to represent numbers in the Roman numeric system — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. The numerals are made up of different combinations of these symbols. DCCVIII in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., DCCVIII = 708.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral DCCVIII, how we write them, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.
When writing Roman numerals, there are a few rules that we need to follow based on the Roman numerals we are trying to write. In this section, we will learn about the rules when writing Roman numerals and how to represent them.
When a larger symbol is followed by a smaller symbol, we add the numerals to each other. For example, in DCCVIII, we have 500 + 200 + 5 + 3 = 708.
A symbol that is repeated up to three times in continuation increases the value of the numeral. For example, CCC = 300.
We use the subtraction method when a smaller symbol precedes a larger symbol. For example, XL = 40 (which is 50 – 10).
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols, such as V, L, and D, cannot be repeated more than once. For example, 10 is represented as X and not VV.
Let us learn about how to write DCCVIII in Roman numerals. There are two methods that we can use to write Roman numerals:
The breaking down of Roman numerals into parts and then converting them into numerals is what we call the expansion method. The expansion method involves breaking down Roman numerals into numerical form and adding them to get the final number.
Step 1: Break the Roman numerals into parts.
Step 2: Now write each of the Roman numerals with its numerical digit in the place value.
Step 3: Add the numerals together.
For DCCVIII,
Step 1: First, we break the Roman numerals. DCCVIII = D + C + C + V + I + I + I
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part. The Roman Numeral D is 500. The Roman Numeral C is 100. The Roman Numeral V is 5. The Roman Numeral I is 1.
Step 3: Combine all the numbers. D + C + C + V + I + I + I = 500 + 100 + 100 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 708. Therefore, the Roman Numeral DCCVIII is 708.
Using subtraction and addition rules, we will apply the grouping method. This means we break the Roman numerals into smaller groups, which makes it easier to work with. This method groups the Roman numerals logically, and then we write the numbers for each group.
Step 1: Take the largest number and write the number for that Roman numeral.
Step 2: Write the Roman numeral using the subtraction and addition rules.
Example: Let’s take the Roman numeral DCCVIII.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are DCC and VIII. The numeral for DCC is 700.
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place.
Here we add VIII to DCC, and we will get DCCVIII. The Roman numeral VIII is 8. Therefore, the numeral of DCCVIII is 708.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make and ways to avoid them.
Calculate the result of adding DCCVIII and CCXL. Write the answer in Roman numerals.
The sum is CMXLVIII
Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal form:
DCCVIII = 708
CCXL = 240
Now add both numbers: 708 + 240 = 948
Now convert the number into its Roman numeral: 948 = 900 (CM) + 40 (XL) + 8 (VIII) = CMXLVIII
What is the result of subtracting CCL from DCCVIII? Write in Roman numerals.
The difference is CDLVI
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal form:
DCCVIII = 708
CCL = 250
Now we subtract the numbers: 708 - 250 = 458
Convert the number into its Roman numeral: 458 = 400 (CD) + 50 (L) + 8 (VIII) = CDLVI
Divide DCCVIII by 4 and express the answer in Roman numerals.
CLXXVII
Convert DCCVIII into its decimal form:
DCCVIII = 708
Divide by 4: 708 / 4 = 177
Write 177 in Roman numerals: 177 = 100 (C) + 70 (LXX) + 7 (VII) = CLXXVII
Find the product of DCCVIII and III.
The product is MMCCXXIV
Write DCCVIII and III in numbers:
DCCVIII = 708
III = 3
Multiply the numbers: 708 × 3 = 2124
Convert 2124 into Roman numerals: 2000 (MM) + 100 (C) + 20 (XX) + 4 (IV) = MMCCXXIV
Convert DCCVIII into its decimal form.
In decimal form, DCCVIII is 708
Break DCCVIII into components:
DCC = 700 (D + C + C)
VIII = 8 (V + I + I + I)
Add values: 700 + 8 = 708
Limitation Rule: There are some symbols that cannot be repeated more than once (V, L, D). For example, writing VV for 10 is wrong; the correct answer is X.
Place Value: The position of a digit in a number; this position determines its value. For example, the number 7 in 708 is in the hundred's place.
Prime Number: A number that has only two factors or multiples is called a prime number. For example, 7 is a prime number that has only two factors, 1 and itself.
Addition Method: A rule where a larger numeral followed by smaller numerals is expressed as their sum.
Subtraction Method: A rule where a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral and is expressed as the larger numeral minus the smaller one.
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.