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 Roman numerals. Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. to count earlier. 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), D (100), and M (1000) are the symbols we use to count.
In Roman numerals, we use VII to represent 7; here, V is 5 and II is 2. 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.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, VII → V + II → 5 + 2 = 7.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a large number, there are certain Roman numerals that can be repeated up to three times. III → 3.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a small number is followed by a large number, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
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. For 8, we write as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 7 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
By Expansion Method
By Grouping Method
In the expansion method, based on the place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 7 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 7 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value, which is ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 7, we write it as 5 + 2.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman numerals
5 in Roman numeral — V
2 in Roman numeral — II
Step 3: Combining the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 7 in Roman numeral is V (5) + II (2) = VII.
When writing a number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 7 in Roman numerals, we group 7 as 5 + 2.
5 in Roman numeral — V
2 in Roman numeral — II
So, 7 is written as VII 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 is cataloging ancient artifacts and finds VII amulets in one site and XV amulets in another. How many amulets are there in total?
The total number of amulets is XXII.
To find the total, we add the number of amulets from both sites.
VII = 7
XV = 15
7 + 15 = 22
22 in Roman Numerals is XXII.
A treasure chest contains XLII coins. If a pirate decides to split the coins equally among VII crew members, how many coins does each crew member receive?
Each crew member receives VI coins.
To determine how many coins each crew member receives, we divide the total number of coins by the number of crew members.
XLII = 42
VII = 7
42 / 7 = 6
6 in Roman Numerals is VI.
A collector has a set of XXVIII vintage watches. If the collector decides to display them in groups of VII, how many groups can be formed?
The number of groups that can be formed is IV.
To find the number of groups, divide the total number of watches by the group size.
XXVIII = 28
VII = 7
28 / 7 = 4
4 in Roman Numerals is IV.
A merchant sells VII baskets of fruit. Each basket contains IX apples. How many apples does the merchant sell in total?
The merchant sells LXIII apples in total.
To find the total number of apples sold, multiply the number of baskets by the number of apples per basket.
VII = 7
IX = 9
7 × 9 = 63
63 in Roman Numerals is LXIII.
Write the Roman Numeral for 7 multiplied by 3 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 7 multiplied by 3 is XXI.
First convert the number 7 into Roman numerals
7 - VII
Multiply the number: 7 × 3 = 21
Using expansion method: 21 = 10 + 10 + 1 = XXI
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.