Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of numerical notation used in ancient Rome, employing combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are still used today in various contexts, such as royal titles, book names, and sequences. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals. Have you ever wondered what these symbols (I and II) represent? Those are Roman numerals.
In ancient times, people used various methods like fingers, sticks, and bones to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was required. 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 used.
In Roman Numerals, we use MCMLXXIX to represent 1979. Here, M is 1000, CM is 900, LXX is 70, and IX is 9. 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.
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number, resulting in addition. For example, LXX → L + X + X → 50 + 10 + 10 = 70.
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, it is subtracted from the larger number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For instance, we use X for 10 instead of VV.
Let’s now learn how to write 1979 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. In this section, we will learn how to write 1979 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 1979 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: thousands, hundreds, tens, units. For 1979, we write it as 1000 + 900 + 70 + 9.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 1979 in Roman numerals is M (1000) + CM (900) + LXX (70) + IX (9) = MCMLXXIX.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 1979 in Roman numerals, group 1979 as 1000 + 900 + 70 + 9.
So, 1979 is written as MCMLXXIX in Roman numerals.
Students 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 finds that a manuscript was completed in MCMLXXIX and preserved for MMX years. In what year was the manuscript rediscovered?
The manuscript was rediscovered in the year MMMMMCMLIX.
The manuscript was completed in MCMLXXIX, which is 1979.
It was preserved for MMX years, which is 2010.
Adding these together, 1979 + 2010 equals 3989.
The year 3989 is written as MMMMMCMLIX in Roman numerals.
A museum exhibit displays a relic dated MCMLXXIX and estimates it to be DCCL years old. In what year was the relic created?
The relic was created in the year MCCXXIX.
The relic is dated MCMLXXIX, which is 1979.
It is estimated to be DCCL years old, which is 750 years.
Subtracting these gives 1979 - 750 = 1229.
The year 1229 is written as MCCXXIX in Roman numerals.
An artifact with an inscription of MCMLXXIX was found alongside another artifact inscribed with MDCCCLXXXVIII. What is the sum of the years inscribed on these artifacts?
The sum of the years inscribed is MMMMDCCCLXVII.
The first artifact is inscribed with MCMLXXIX, which is 1979.
The second artifact is inscribed with MDCCCLXXXVIII, which is 1888.
Adding these gives 1979 + 1888 = 3867.
The year 3867 is written as MMMMDCCCLXVII in Roman numerals.
A time capsule buried in MCMLXXIX is set to be opened after MM years. In what year will the capsule be opened?
The time capsule will be opened in the year MMMCMLXXIX.
The time capsule was buried in MCMLXXIX, which is 1979.
It is set to be opened after MM years, which is 2000 years. Adding these gives 1979 + 2000 = 3979.
The year 3979 is written as MMMCMLXXIX in Roman numerals.
An anniversary celebration marked the passage of CD years since the founding event in MCMLXXIX. In what year was the anniversary celebrated?
The anniversary was celebrated in the year MMCCLXXIX.
The founding event occurred in MCMLXXIX, which is 1979. The anniversary marked the passage of CD years, which is 400 years.
Adding these together gives 1979 + 400 = 2379.
The year 2379 is written as MMCCLXXIX in Roman numerals.
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.