Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used. Roman Numerals are found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will be discussing Roman Numerals, their 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 fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. 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), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use.
In Roman Numerals, we use CCLVI to represent 256, where C is 100, L is 50, V is 5, and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing 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 a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a larger number, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, it is subtracted from the larger number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
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 won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X. For 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 256 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 256 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 256 in Roman Numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, ones.
For 256, we write it as 200 + 50 + 6.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman Numerals:
200 in Roman Numerals — CC
50 in Roman Numerals — L
6 in Roman Numerals — VI
Step 3: Combine these Roman Numerals together
Therefore, 256 in Roman Numerals is CC (200) + L (50) + VI (6) = CCLVI
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 256 in Roman Numerals, we group 256 as 200 + 50 + 6.
200 in Roman Numerals — CC
50 in Roman Numerals — L
6 in Roman Numerals — VI
So, 256 is written as CCLVI in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing a number in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian needs to catalog a collection of CCXLVIII ancient artifacts into VIII categories. How many artifacts will be in each category?
Each category will contain XXXII artifacts.
To determine the number of artifacts per category, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of categories.
CCXLVIII = 248
VIII = 8
248 / 8 = 31
31 in Roman numerals is XXXI.
Find the sum of CXXVIII and CXXVIII.
The sum of CXXVIII and CXXVIII is CCLVI.
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
CXXVIII = 128
CXXVIII = 128
128 + 128 = 256
256 in Roman Numerals is CCLVI.
Thus, the sum of CXXVIII and CXXVIII is CCLVI.
A library receives a donation of CCCXL books. They want to distribute these equally among XIII local schools. How many books will each school receive?
Each school will receive XXVI books.
To find the number of books each school receives, divide the total number of books by the number of schools.
CCCXL = 340
XIII = 13
340 / 13 = 26
26 in Roman numerals is XXVI.
Calculate the difference between CD and CCLVI
The difference between CD and CCLVI is CXLIV.
The difference between two numbers is the result of subtracting one number from the other.
CD = 400
CCLVI = 256
400 - 256 = 144
144 in Roman numerals is CXLIV.
Write the Roman Numeral for the sum of 128 and 128 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 128 + 128 is CCLVI.
First, convert the numbers 128 and 128 into Roman numerals.
128 - CXXVIII
128 - CXXVIII
Add the numbers together: 128 + 128 = 256
Using the expansion method: 256 = 200 + 50 + 6 = CCLVI.
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.