Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of expressing numbers using specific symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. These numerals are still used today in various contexts, such as royal titles, book chapters, and sequences. In this document, we will explore Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Roman numerals are often used in various formal and historical contexts. Ancient Romans developed this system using symbols like I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). We use these symbols to represent numbers. For example, the number 809 is represented as DCCCIX in Roman numerals, where D is 500, CCC is 300, and IX is 9.
Let's explore more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
Certain basic rules are essential for writing numbers in Roman numerals. Here, we discuss some of these rules:
If a smaller numeral comes after a larger numeral, their values are added. For example, DCCCIX → D (500) + CCC (300) + IX (9) = 809.
Some Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to represent larger numbers. For example, CCC is 300.
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, it is subtracted from the larger numeral. For instance, IX is 10 - 1 = 9.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we write VIII for 8, not IIIIIIII.
Let's learn how to write 809 in Roman numerals using different methods:
In the expansion method, a number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 809 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break down the number by place value: 800 + 9
Step 2: Convert each part to Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals: Therefore, 809 in Roman numerals is DCCC (800) + IX (9) = DCCCIX.
In the grouping method, numbers are grouped based on their values: To write 809 in Roman numerals, group the number as 800 + 9.
Thus, 809 is written as DCCCIX in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:
Calculate the area of a rectangle with sides DCCIV and V.
The area of the rectangle is MMMDCV.
In Roman numerals, DCCIV is 704 and V is 5.
The area of the rectangle is calculated as 704 × 5 = 3520.
3520 in Roman Numerals can be written as MMMDCV.
A historian is cataloging artifacts and has DCCCIX artifacts to divide equally among VI museums. How many artifacts does each museum receive?
Each museum receives CXXXV artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts each museum receives, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of museums.
DCCCIX = 809
VI = 6
Thus, 809 / 6 = 134.
833, but since they are artifacts, each museum receives 134 artifacts, which is CXXXIV in Roman numerals.
A collection of coins includes DXXVIII and CCXLI coins. Find the total number of coins in Roman numerals.
The total number of coins is DCCLXIX.
Add the number of coins:
DXXVIII = 528
CCXLI = 241
528 + 241 = 769
769 in Roman Numerals is DCCLXIX.
What is the difference between DCCCIX and CCCXIV?
The difference between DCCCIX and CCCXIV is CDXCV.
Subtract the smaller number from the larger one:
DCCCIX = 809
CCCXIV = 314
809 - 314 = 495
495 in Roman Numerals is CDXCV.
Write the Roman Numeral for the sum of 809 and 193 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for the sum is MII.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 809 and 193 to Roman numerals:
809 - DCCCIX
193 - CXCIII
Add the numbers together: 809 + 193 = 1002
Using the expansion method: 1002 = 1000 + 2 = M + II = MII.
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.