Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols used are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are often seen in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, the rules for using them, and provide examples.
Royal titles such as Henry IV and Henry V use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent? These are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, and bones to count. As life became more complex, a standard system was needed. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system. The symbols used include I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we use XL to represent 40, where X is 10 and L is 50. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss these basic rules:
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller numeral is placed after a larger numeral. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to form numbers. For example, XXX → 30.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, subtract the smaller one. For example, XL → L - X → 50 - 10 = 40.
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 write 10 as X, not VV, and 8 as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 40 in Roman numerals using different methods.
In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on place value. Here’s how we write 40 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value. For 40, think of it as 50 - 10.
Step 2: Convert each number to Roman numerals.
50 in Roman numerals — L
10 in Roman numerals — X
Step 3: Combine them using subtraction.
Therefore, 40 in Roman numerals is L (50) - X (10) = XL
When writing larger numbers in Roman numerals, we can group them.
For 40, consider it as 50 - 10.
50 in Roman numerals — L
10 in Roman numerals — X
So, 40 is written as XL in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
A historian is organizing a collection of XL ancient scrolls and wants to distribute them equally among IV researchers. How many scrolls does each researcher receive?
Each researcher receives X scrolls.
To find the number of scrolls each researcher receives, divide the total number of scrolls by the number of researchers.
XL = 40
IV = 4
40 / 4 = 10
10 in Roman numerals is X.
A museum curates an exhibit with a total of CXL artifacts. If they add XL more artifacts to the exhibit, what is the new total in Roman numerals?
The new total number of artifacts is CLXXX.
The new total is the sum of the original and added artifacts.
CXL = 140
XL = 40
140 + 40 = 180
180 in Roman numerals is CLXXX.
A library has a rare book collection of LXX volumes. If they decide to remove XL volumes for restoration, how many volumes remain?
XXX volumes remain.
The number of volumes remaining is the difference between the original collection and the ones removed.
LXX = 70
XL = 40
70 - 40 = 30
30 in Roman numerals is XXX.
Calculate the sum of XL and XXIX using Roman numerals.
The sum of XL and XXIX is LXIX.
XL = 40
XXIX = 29
40 + 29 = 69
69 in Roman numerals is LXIX.
Write the Roman numeral for 40 multiplied by 2 using the multiplication method.
The Roman numeral for 40 × 2 is LXXX.
First, convert 40 to Roman numerals.
40 = XL
Multiply by 2:
40 × 2 = 80
80 in Roman numerals is LXXX
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.