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Last updated on March 29th, 2025
Roman numerals are a method of expressing numbers using specific symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman Numerals are used in 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, etc., often use Roman Numerals. Have you ever wondered what these symbols (I and II) mean? They are Roman Numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, and bones to count. As life became more complex, a standard counting system was needed. 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 CCCXCVIII to represent 398, where CCC is 300, XC is 90, and VIII is 8. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to write a number in Roman Numerals. Let's discuss some of these rules.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a large number, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number 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 certain symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we don't write VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let’s learn how to write 398 in Roman Numerals by following these methods: Expansion Method and Grouping Method.
In the expansion method, based on place value, the number is broken down. Here’s how to write 398 in Roman numerals using the expansion method:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value: 300 + 90 + 8
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman Numerals:
300 in Roman Numerals — CCC
90 in Roman Numerals — XC
8 in Roman Numerals — VIII
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together:
Therefore, 398 in Roman Numerals is CCC (300) + XC (90) + VIII (8) = CCCXCVIII
When writing large numbers in Roman Numerals, we group the numbers. To write 398 in Roman Numerals, we group it as 300 + 90 + 8.
300 in Roman Numerals — CCC
90 in Roman Numerals — XC
8 in Roman Numerals — VIII
So, 398 is written as CCCXCVIII in Roman Numerals.
A historian discovers two ancient artifacts marked with the numbers CLXXX and CCXVIII in Roman numerals. What is the sum of these two numbers?
A museum has CCCXCVIII coins to be evenly distributed among XLIX display cases. How many coins will each display case receive?
An archaeologist finds a scroll detailing the construction of a Roman building with a height of CC and a width of CXCVIII. What is the total perimeter of the building?
A scholar is translating ancient texts and needs to subtract the number CLXXXIX from CCCXCVIII. What is the result?
Convert the following mathematical expression into Roman numerals: (CC + C) × II.
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.