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 counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. 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 MM to represent 2000, here M is 1000 and is repeated twice.
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 a large number, there are certain Roman Numerals that can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
If a small number precedes a large 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, and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 2000 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 2000 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 2000 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: The number is broken down based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc.
For 2000, we write it as 1000 + 1000
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals
1000 in Roman Numeral — M
Step 3: Combining the Roman Numerals together.
Therefore, 2000 in Roman Numerals is M (1000) + M (1000) = MM
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the number.
To write 2000 in Roman Numerals, we group 2000 as 1000 + 1000
1000 in Roman Numeral — M
So, 2000 is written as MM in Roman Numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
A historian discovers MM ancient coins and divides them equally among XL archaeologists. How many coins does each archaeologist receive?
Each archaeologist receives L coins.
To find the number of coins each archaeologist receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of archaeologists.
MM = 2000
XL = 40
2000 / 40 = 50
50 in Roman numerals is L.
A marathon has a total distance of MM meters. If a runner has completed DCCC meters, how many meters are left for them to run?
The runner has MCC remaining meters to run.
To find the remaining distance, subtract the distance already run from the total distance.
MM = 2000
DCCC = 800
2000 - 800 = 1200
1200 in Roman numerals is MCC.
An artist paints MM portraits in a year. If they complete CCCL portraits in the first quarter, how many portraits do they still need to paint?
The artist needs to paint MDCL more portraits.
To find the remaining portraits to paint, subtract the completed number from the total.
MM = 2000
CCCL = 350
2000 - 350 = 1650
1650 in Roman numerals is MDCL.
A city plans to plant MM trees over the next decade. If they plant CLX trees each year, in how many years will they complete their plan?
The city will complete their plan in XII years.
To find the number of years needed, divide the total number of trees by the number of trees planted each year.
MM = 2000
CLX = 160
2000 / 160 = 12.5 Since they need complete years, it will take XII years (12 full years plus a partial year).
A writer aims to write MM pages of a novel. If they write C pages each month, how long will it take to complete the novel?
It will take XX months to complete the novel.
To find the time required, divide the total number of pages by the number of pages written each month.
MM = 2000
C = 100
2000 / 100 = 20
20 in Roman numerals is XX.
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.