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 in the names of monarchs, book chapters, and more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Roman numerals have been in use since the time of the ancient Romans. They provided a standard way for counting and recording numbers.
The symbols used are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). These symbols can be combined to represent any number. For example, 987 in Roman numerals is represented as CMLXXXVII, where CM is 900, LXXX is 80, and VII is 7.
Let's learn more about Roman numerals and how they are written.
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.
When a smaller numeral appears after a larger numeral, you add the values. For example, VII → V + II → 5 + 2 = 7
Some Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to form other numbers. For instance, III → 3.
When a smaller numeral appears before a larger numeral, you subtract the smaller value. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9
Roman numerals cannot be repeated more than three times in a row, and some numerals like V, L, and D cannot be repeated.
Let’s learn how to write 987 in Roman numerals using two methods:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here is how to write 987 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value. 987 = 900 + 80 + 7
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals. Therefore, 987 in Roman numerals is CM (900) + LXXX (80) + VII (7) = CMLXXXVII
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number: 987 can be grouped as 900 + 80 + 7
So, 987 is written as CMLXXXVII in Roman numerals.
When writing numbers in Roman numerals, students often make mistakes. To master Roman numerals, it's helpful to learn about common mistakes and how to avoid them.
A historian found two ancient coins with inscriptions DCCC and LXXXVII. Find the sum of the Roman numerals on these coins.
The sum of DCCC and LXXXVII is DCCCLXXXVII.
DCCC = 800
LXXXVII = 87
The sum of DCCC and LXXXVII is 800 + 87 = 887.
887 in Roman Numerals can be written as DCCCLXXXVII.
An artisan crafted CMXCVI miniature sculptures and wants to distribute them equally among XII collectors. How many sculptures will each collector receive?
Each collector will receive LXXXII sculptures.
To find the number of sculptures each collector gets, we divide the number of sculptures by the total number of collectors.
CMXCVI = 996
XII = 12
Therefore, CMXCVI / XII = 996 / 12 = 83. 83 in Roman numerals is LXXXII.
A collector has a set of scrolls numbered CDLXXV and DXII. What is the total number of scrolls in the collection?
The total number of scrolls in the collection is CMLXXXVII.
CDLXXV = 475
DXII = 512
475 + 512 = 987
987 in Roman Numerals is CMLXXXVII.
A mathematician solved a puzzle and ended up with the difference between the Roman numerals M and DCCCXIII. What is the result in Roman numerals?
The difference is CLXXXVII.
M = 1000
DCCCXIII = 813
The difference is 1000 - 813 = 187.
187 in Roman Numerals can be written as CLXXXVII.
Express the number 987 using the expansion method for Roman numerals.
The Roman numeral for 987 using the expansion method is CMLXXXVII.
Step 1: Break down 987 into its components. 987 = 900 + 80 + 7
900 = CM
80 = LXXX
7 = VII Combine them to get CMLXXXVII.
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.