Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols used include I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are used in various contexts such as royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent? These are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became complex, a standard form was needed for counting. Ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system for this purpose. The symbols used are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we use CV to represent 105, where C is 100, and V is 5. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
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 number is placed after a larger number. For example, CV → C + V → 100 + 5 = 105
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a larger number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, the smaller number is subtracted from the larger number. For example, XC → C - X → 100 - 10 = 90
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, and for 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 105 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
By Expansion Method
By Grouping Method
In the expansion method, based on place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 105 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 105 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value, such as ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 105, we write it as 100 + 5
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman numerals
100 in Roman numeral — C
5 in Roman numeral — V
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 105 in Roman numerals is C (100) + V (5) = CV
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number.
To write 105 in Roman numerals, we group 105 as 100 + 5
100 in Roman numeral — C
5 in Roman numeral — V
So, 105 is written as CV in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian discovered a manuscript that mentioned a battle involving CV soldiers from one side and XL soldiers from another side. How many soldiers were mentioned in total?
The total number of soldiers mentioned is CLV.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
CV = 105
XL = 40
Adding the numbers together gives 105 + 40 = 145
145 in Roman numerals is CLV.
Therefore, the total number of soldiers is CLV.
An ancient artifact was inscribed with the number CMV, and it was dated X decades ago. Determine the total number of years since the artifact was inscribed.
The total number of years since the artifact was inscribed is CMXLV.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
CMV = 905
X = 10
Since a decade is 10 years, X decades is 10 × 10 = 100 years.
Adding the years: 905 + 100 = 1005
1005 in Roman numerals is MV.
Therefore, the total number of years is MIV.
Calculate the difference between the years MCCX and CV in the context of historical events.
The difference between MCCX and CV is MCV.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
MCCX = 1210
CV = 105
Subtracting the numbers gives 1210 - 105 = 1105
1105 in Roman numerals is MCV.
Therefore, the difference in years is MCV.
An archaeologist found two scrolls labeled with the numbers D and CV. If combined, how would these scrolls be represented as a single Roman numeral?
The combined Roman numeral for the scrolls is DLXV.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
D = 500
CV = 105
Adding the numbers gives 500 + 105 = 605
605 in Roman numerals is DLXV.
Therefore, the combined numeral is DLXV.
Write the Roman Numeral for the sum of LIII and the modern day equivalent of 52 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for the sum of LIII and 52 is CV.
Convert the numbers to Roman numerals:
LIII = 53
52 = LII
Add the numbers together: 53 + 52 = 105
Using the expansion method: 105 = 100 + 5 = CV
Therefore, the sum is CV.
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.