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 used. Roman numerals are commonly found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, and so forth use Roman numerals. Perhaps you've noticed these symbols and wondered what they signify. Those are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, and bones. As life became more complex, a standard system was needed to count. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used in this system.
In Roman numerals, 359 is represented as CCCLIX, where C is 100, L is 50, X is 10, V is 5, and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. In this section, we’ll discuss some fundamental rules that need to be remembered when writing numbers in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method applies when a smaller number follows a larger number. For example, IX → X + I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Some Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to form larger numbers. For example, CCC → 100 + 100 + 100 = 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, the smaller number is subtracted from the larger one. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we don’t write VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let’s now learn how to write 359 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
Using the expansion method, a number is broken down based on its place values. Here’s how to write 359 in Roman numerals using this method:
1. Break down the number based on place values: 300 + 50 + 9
2. Convert each part to Roman numerals:
- 300 in Roman Numerals — CCC
- 50 in Roman Numerals — L
- 9 in Roman Numerals — IX
3. Combine the Roman numerals: CCC (300) + L (50) + IX (9) = CCCLIX
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers based on their place values:
- 300 in Roman Numerals — CCC
- 50 in Roman Numerals — L
- 9 in Roman Numerals — IX
Therefore, 359 is written as CCCLIX in Roman numerals.
Many students make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn from a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.
A historian finds two ancient scrolls labeled CLV and CCIV. What is the combined age of the scrolls in Roman numerals?
The combined age of the scrolls is CCCLIX.
To find the combined age, add the ages of the two scrolls.
- CLV = 155
- CCIV = 204
- 155 + 204 = 359
359 in Roman numerals is written as CCCLIX.
An archaeologist discovers a chest with CCCLIX coins and wants to distribute them equally among XIII colleagues. How many coins does each colleague receive?
Each colleague receives XXVII coins.
To find out how many coins each colleague receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of colleagues.
- CCCLIX = 359
- XIII = 13
- 359 / 13 = 27
27 in Roman numerals is XXVII.
A mathematician is analyzing patterns and wants to subtract CXL from CCCLIX. What is the result in Roman numerals?
The result is CCXIX.
Subtracting the two numbers gives:
- CCCLIX = 359
- CXL = 140
- 359 - 140 = 219
219 in Roman numerals is written as CCXIX.
A teacher asks students to convert the product of XIX and XIX to Roman numerals. What is the result?
The product of XIX and XIX is CCCLXI.
To find the product:
- XIX = 19
- 19 × 19 = 361
361 in Roman numerals is written as CCCLXI.
Convert the number 359 into Roman numerals using the subtraction method.
The number 359 in Roman numerals is CCCLIX.
Break down 359 using the subtraction method:
- 359 = 300 + 50 + 9
- 300 = CCC
- 50 = L
- 9 = IX
Putting it together, 359 is CCCLIX.
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.