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.
Have you ever wondered what symbols like I and II represent in royal titles such as Henry I and Henry II? These are Roman Numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standardized form was needed, and the 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 for counting. In Roman Numerals, we use CMLXXVIII to represent 978. Here, CM is 900, LXX is 70, and VIII is 8.
Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
Certain basic rules are used to write numbers 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, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8.
To write a large number, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. III → 3.
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large 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.
Let’s now learn how to write 978 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 978 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 978 in Roman Numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and units. For 978, we write it as 900 + 70 + 8.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman Numerals:
Step 3: Combine them together: Therefore, 978 in Roman Numerals is CM (900) + LXX (70) + VIII (8) = CMLXXVIII.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 978 in Roman Numerals, we group 978 as 900 + 70 + 8.
So, 978 is written as CMLXXVIII in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we need to learn about a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
A historian finds an ancient artifact dated CMLXXVIII years ago. Calculate how many decades have passed since that year.
The number of decades that have passed is XCVII.
CMLXXVIII in Roman numerals is 978. To find the number of decades, divide 978 by 10. 978 / 10 = 97.8 Since we consider complete decades, it is 97. 97 in Roman Numerals is XCVII.
A collector has a set of CMXLVIII coins distributed equally across X households. How many coins does each household receive?
Each household receives XCIV coins.
CMXLVIII is 948 in decimal. Divide 948 by 10 (X). 948 / 10 = 94.8 Rounding down, each household gets 94 coins. 94 in Roman numerals is XCIV.
Two towns are separated by a distance of CDL miles, and a new road reduces the distance by CXXII miles. What is the new distance between the towns in Roman numerals?
The new distance is CCCXXVIII miles.
CDL is 450 miles, and CXXII is 122 miles. Subtract to find the new distance: 450 - 122 = 328
328 in Roman numerals is CCCXXVIII.
An author wrote DCCLXXXII pages in one book and CXCVI pages in another. What is the total number of pages written in Roman numerals?
The total number of pages is CMLXXVIII.
DCCLXXXII is 782 and CXCVI is 196. Add to find the total pages: 782 + 196 = 978
978 in Roman numerals is CMLXXVIII.
A company produced MMX items last year and plans to produce CMLXXVIII more this year. What will be the total production in Roman numerals after this year?
The total production will be MMMLVIII.
MMX is 2010, and CMLXXVIII is 978. Add them for the total: 2010 + 978 = 2988
2988 in Roman numerals is MMMLVIII.
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.