Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols such as I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. These numerals are often used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. In this guide, we'll explore Roman numerals, the rules for writing them, and provide examples.
You might have seen royal titles like Henry VIII and wondered what these symbols (VIII) represent. These are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, and bones. As life became more complex, a standardized numeral system was needed, leading to the development of the Roman numeral system. The symbols used are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman Numerals, we use LXXXVIII to represent 88, where L is 50, XXX is 30, and VIII is 8. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman Numerals. Let's discuss some of these rules that are essential for writing Roman numerals accurately.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is applied when a smaller numeral is placed after a larger numeral. For example, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times to increase their value. For example, XXX → 30 (X repeated three times).
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, it is subtracted from the larger numeral. For example, XL → L - X → 50 - 10 = 40.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Certain numerals cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we do not write LLL for 150, instead, we use CL.
Let’s learn how to write 88 in Roman Numerals using different methods:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 88 using this method:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value. For 88, it’s 50 + 30 + 8.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman Numerals:
50 in Roman Numerals - L
30 in Roman Numerals - XXX
8 in Roman Numerals - VIII
Step 3: Combine them together. Therefore, 88 in Roman Numerals is LXXXVIII.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the number.
To write 88, group it as 50 + 30 + 8:
50 in Roman Numerals - L
30 in Roman Numerals - XXX
8 in Roman Numerals - VIII
So, 88 is written as LXXXVIII in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
A historian is cataloging artifacts and discovers a chest containing LXXXVIII coins, which need to be distributed equally among IV ancient families. How many coins will each family receive?
Each family will receive XXII coins.
To find the number of coins each family receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of families.
LXXXVIII = 88
IV = 4
Therefore, LXXXVIII / IV = 88 / 4 = 22.
22 in Roman numerals can be written as XXII.
An artist is planning to create a mosaic using CCXLVIII tiles, and each row of the mosaic will consist of LXXXVIII tiles. How many complete rows can the artist create?
The artist can create II complete rows.
Explanation: To find the number of complete rows, divide the total number of tiles by the number of tiles per row.
CCXLVIII = 248
LXXXVIII = 88
Therefore, CCXLVIII / LXXXVIII = 248 / 88 = 2.
2 in Roman numerals can be written as II.
An ancient scroll describes a journey of CLXXXVIII miles followed by another journey of LXXXVIII miles. What is the total distance covered according to the scroll?
The total distance covered is CCLXXVI miles.
The total distance is found by adding the two distances together.
CLXXXVIII = 188
LXXXVIII = 88
188 + 88 = 276
276 in Roman numerals is CCLXXVI.
A library contains a collection of CCCXLVIII manuscripts, and a scholar wants to read LXXXVIII of them. How many manuscripts will remain unread?
The number of unread manuscripts is CCLX.
The number of unread manuscripts is found by subtracting the number read from the total number.
CCCXLVIII = 348
LXXXVIII = 88
348 - 88 = 260
260 in Roman numerals is CCLX.
Convert the multiplication of VIII and XI into Roman numerals and provide the result.
The multiplication result in Roman numerals is LXXXVIII.
First, multiply the two numbers.
VIII = 8
XI = 11
8 × 11 = 88
88 in Roman numerals is LXXXVIII.