Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a method of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman Numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will discuss Roman Numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, like Henry I and Henry II, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these names and wondered what the symbols (I, II) represented? They are Roman Numerals.
In earlier times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed for counting. 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 for counting.
In Roman Numerals, 1983 is written as MCMLXXXIII, where M is 1000, CM is 900, L is 50, XXX is 30, and III is 3. 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 to remember when writing a number in Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8.
Some Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, we subtract the smaller number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
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, not VV, and VIII for 8, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 1983 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. Here's how to write 1983 in Roman numerals using the expansion method:
Step 1: Break down the number by place value, i.e., ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 1983, we write it as 1000 + 900 + 80 + 3.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman Numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 1983 in Roman Numerals is M (1000) + CM (900) + LXXX (80) + III (3) = MCMLXXXIII.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 1983 in Roman Numerals, group it as 1000 + 900 + 80 + 3.
So, 1983 is written as MCMLXXXIII 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.
What is the sum of MCM and LXXXIII?
The sum of MCM and LXXXIII is MCMLXXXIII.
To find the sum, we convert the Roman numerals to numbers and add them: MCM = 1900
LXXXIII = 83
1900 + 83 = 1983
1983 in Roman Numerals is MCMLXXXIII.
A historian finds a document dated MCMXV and wants to know how many years ago that was from MCMLXXXIII. Calculate the difference in years.
The difference in years is LXVIII.
To find the difference, convert the Roman numerals to numbers: MCMLXXXIII = 1983
MCMXV = 1915
1983 - 1915 = 68
68 in Roman Numerals is LXVIII.
An antique collector has items from the years MCMXXX and MCMLIII. How many years apart were these items created?
The items were created XXIII years apart.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers: MCMXXX = 1930
MCMLIII = 1953
1953 - 1930 = 23
23 in Roman Numerals is XXIII.
A time capsule contains coins from the years MCMXL and MCMLXXIII. Calculate the sum of these years.
The sum of the years is MMMCMXIII.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers and add them: MCMXL = 1940
MCMLXXIII = 1973
1940 + 1973 = 3913
3913 in Roman Numerals is MMMCMXIII.
A library has books published in the years MCMXCV and MCMXCII. What is the total number of years from the first book to the second?
The total number of years is III.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers and find the difference: MCMXCV = 1995
MCMXCII = 1992
1995 - 1992 = 3
3 in Roman Numerals is III.
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.