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.
Royal titles often use Roman numerals, such as Henry I, Henry II, etc. Have you ever wondered what these symbols represent? They are Roman Numerals. In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard system was needed.
Ancient Romans developed the Roman Numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used. In Roman Numerals, we use CMXC to represent 990. Here, CM is 900 (1000 - 100) and XC is 90 (100 - 10).
Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are 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 a smaller numeral is placed after a larger numeral. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
To write a large number, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated three times. III → 3.
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, we subtract the smaller from the larger. For example, CM → M - C → 1000 - 100 = 900
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 990 in Roman Numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman Numerals.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on its place value. In this section, we will learn how to write 990 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 990 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value—ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 990, we write it as 900 + 90.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman Numerals.
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 990 in Roman Numerals is CM (900) + XC (90) = CMXC
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 990 in Roman Numerals, group 990 as 900 + 90.
So, 990 is written as CMXC in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. To master this, we can learn from a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
Calculate the sum of DCCCXC and C in Roman numerals.
The sum of DCCCXC and C is CMXC.
To find the sum, add the two numbers together.
DCCCXC = 890
C = 100
890 + 100 = 990
990 in Roman numerals is CMXC.
A historian is categorizing CMXC artifacts equally among X groups. How many artifacts are in each group?
Each group will receive XCIX artifacts.
Divide the total number of artifacts by the number of groups:
CMXC = 990
X = 10
990 / 10 = 99
99 in Roman numerals is XCIX.
Find the difference between M and X in Roman numerals.
The difference between M and X is CMXC.
Subtract the smaller number from the larger number:
M = 1000
X = 10
1000 - 10 = 990
990 in Roman numerals is CMXC.
A collector has CMXC coins and adds another X coins to her collection. How many coins does she have now in Roman numerals?
She now has M coins.
Add the two amounts together:
CMXC = 990
X = 10
990 + 10 = 1000
1000 in Roman numerals is M.
Convert the year 1990 into Roman numerals using the expansion method.
The year 1990 in Roman numerals is MCMXC.
Break down the year into components:
1990 = 1000 + 900 + 90
1000 = M
900 = CM
90 = XC
Combine them: MCMXC
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.