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 more. Here we will discuss Roman Numerals, rules, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman Numerals. Have you noticed these symbols (I and II) and wondered what they represent?
Those are Roman Numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was required for counting. Ancient Romans used the Roman Numeral system, which includes symbols like I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman Numerals, we use MCMXCVI to represent 1996. Here, M is 1000, 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
Certain Roman Numerals can be repeated three times to write larger numbers. For example, III → 3.
If a smaller number is placed before a larger number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, CM → M - C → 1000 - 100 = 900
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.
Let’s now learn how to write 1996 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 1996 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 1996 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place values: ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 1996, we write it as 1000 + 900 + 90 + 6.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman Numerals:
1000 in Roman Numeral — M
900 in Roman Numeral — CM
90 in Roman Numeral — XC
6 in Roman Numeral — VI
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together.
Therefore, 1996 in Roman Numeral is M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + VI (6) = MCMXCVI.
When writing a large number into Roman Numeral, we group the number.
To write 1996 in Roman Numeral, we group 1996 as 1000 + 900 + 90 + 6.
1000 in Roman Numeral — M
900 in Roman Numeral — CM
90 in Roman Numeral — XC
6 in Roman Numeral — VI
So, 1996 is written as MCMXCVI 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.
What is the sum of MCM and XCVI?
The sum of MCM and XCVI is MCMXCVI.
To find the sum of two numbers, we add them together.
MCM = 1900 XCVI = 96 1900 + 96 = 1996
1996 in Roman Numerals is MCMXCVI.
A library has MCMXCVI books and decides to donate CCLX books to a charity. How many books remain in the library?
The number of books remaining in the library is MDCCXXXVI.
To find out how many books remain, we subtract the donated books from the total number of books.
MCMXCVI = 1996
CCLX = 260
1996 - 260 = 1736
1736 in Roman Numerals is MDCCXXXVI.
A historian discovers two artifacts dated at M and CMXCVI years old respectively. What is the difference in age between the two artifacts?
The difference in age between the two artifacts is CM.
To find the difference, subtract the younger artifact's age from the older artifact's age.
M = 1000
CMXCVI = 996
1000 - 996 = 4
4 in Roman Numerals is IV.
A movie was released in the year MCMXCVI. If it was re-released X years later, in what year did the re-release occur?
The re-release occurred in the year MMVI.
To find the re-release year, add the number of years since the original release to the original release year.
MCMXCVI = 1996
1996 + 10 = 2006
2006 in Roman Numerals is MMVI.
Convert the Roman numeral MCMXCVI into Arabic numerals using the subtraction method.
The Arabic numeral for MCMXCVI is 1996.
Using the subtraction method:
M = 1000
CM = 900
(1000 - 100) XC = 90 (100 - 10)
VI = 6 (5 + 1)
Add them together: 1000 + 900 + 90 + 6 = 1996.
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.