Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way 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, their rules, and examples.
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 a smaller numeral is placed after a larger numeral. For example, LXXXVII → L + XXX + VII → 50 + 30 + 7 = 87.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write larger numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller numeral is placed before a larger numeral, the smaller numeral is subtracted from the larger numeral. 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 don't write LL for 100; instead, we use C.
Let’s now learn how to write 87 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 87 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 87 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: tens and ones.
For 87, we write it as 50 + 30 + 7.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
- 50 in Roman numerals is L.
- 30 in Roman numerals is XXX.
- 7 in Roman numerals is VII.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals:
- Therefore, 87 in Roman numerals is L (50) + XXX (30) + VII (7) = LXXXVII.
Students 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.
Find the sum of LXXXVII and XIII.
The sum of LXXXVII and XIII is C.
In Roman numerals, LXXXVII is 87 and XIII is 13. The sum of LXXXVII and XIII is 87 + 13 = 100. 100 in Roman Numerals can be written as C.
A museum has DCCLXVIII artifacts and plans to distribute them equally among IX exhibits. How many artifacts will each exhibit receive?
Each exhibit will receive LXXXVII artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts each exhibit receives, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of exhibits: DCCLXVIII / IX.
DCCLXVIII = 768, IX = 9.
Therefore, 768 / 9 = 87.
87 in Roman numerals is LXXXVII.
Find the product of XXIX and III.
The product of XXIX and III is LXXXVII.
In Roman numerals, XXIX is 29 and III is 3. The product of XXIX and III is 29 × 3 = 87. 87 in Roman Numerals can be written as LXXXVII.
What is the difference between CC and CXIII?
The difference between CC and CXIII is LXXXVII.
Subtracting two numbers gives us the difference.
CC = 200, CXIII = 113.
200 - 113 = 87.
87 in Roman numerals can be written as LXXXVII.
Write the Roman Numeral for 34 + 53 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 34 + 53 is LXXXVII.
Convert the numbers 34 and 53 into Roman numerals.
34 = XXXIV
53 = LIII
Add the numbers together: 34 + 53 = 87
Using the expansion method: 87 = 50 + 30 + 7 = LXXXVII.
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.