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Last updated on March 2nd, 2025
To meet their daily commerce and administration needs, the ancient Romans developed Roman Numerals. It used a combination of seven symbols — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent numbers. Roman numerals were used to record transactions, keep track of data, and label military units. In this topic, we are going to learn about the Roman numeral LX.
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. So to overcome the complexity, the Roman numeric system was developed. This was widely used throughout Europe as a standard writing system until the late Middle Ages.
Seven symbols are used to represent numbers in the Roman numeric system — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. The numerals are made up of different combinations of these symbols. LX in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., LX = 60.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral LX, how we write it, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.
When writing Roman numerals, there are a few rules that we need to follow based on the Roman numerals we are trying to write. In this section, we will learn about the rules when writing Roman numerals and how to represent them.
When a larger symbol is followed by a smaller symbol, we add the numerals to each other. For example, in VI, we have 5 + 1 = 6.
A symbol that is repeated three times in continuation increases the value of the numeral. For example, XXX = 30.
We use the subtraction method when a larger symbol follows a smaller symbol. For example, XL = 40 (which is 50 – 10).
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols, such as V, L, and D cannot be repeated more than once. For example, 60 is represented as LX and not LXX.
Let us learn about how to write LX in Roman numerals. There are two methods that we can use to write Roman numerals:
The breaking down of Roman numerals into parts and then converting them into numerals is what we call the expansion method. The expansion method is the breaking down of Roman numerals into numerical form and adding them to get the final number.
Step 1: Break the Roman numerals into parts.
Step 2: Now write each of the Roman numerals with its numerical digit in the place value.
Step 3: Add the numerals together.
For LX,
Step 1: First we break the Roman numerals. LX = L + X
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part. The Roman Numeral L is 50 The Roman Numeral X is 10
Step 3: Combine all the numbers. L + X = 50 + 10 = 60 Therefore, the Roman Numeral LX is 60.
Using subtraction and addition rules, we will apply the grouping method. This means we break the Roman numerals into smaller groups, which makes it easier to work with. This method groups the Roman numerals logically, and then we write the numbers for each group.
Step 1: Take the largest number and write the number for that Roman numeral.
Step 2: Write the Roman numeral using the subtraction and addition rules.
Example: Let’s take the Roman numeral LX.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are L and X. The numeral for L is 50
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place. Here we add X to L and we will get LX. The Roman numeral X is 10 Therefore, the numeral of LX is 60.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.
Calculate the sum of LX and XL in Roman numerals.
The sum is C.
Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal forms:
LX = 60
XL = 40
Add the numbers: 60 + 40 = 100
Convert 100 into Roman numerals: 100 = C
What is the difference between LXXX and LX? Write your answer in Roman numerals.
The difference is XX.
Convert the Roman numerals into decimal form:
LXXX = 80
LX = 60
Subtract the numbers: 80 - 60 = 20
Convert 20 into Roman numerals: 20 = XX
Divide CXX by 2 and express the answer in Roman numerals.
LX
Convert CXX into its decimal form:
CXX = 120
Divide by 2: 120 / 2 = 60
Write 60 in Roman numerals: 60 = LX
Find the product of LX and III.
CLXXX is the product of LX and III.
Convert LX and III into numbers:
LX = 60
III = 3
Multiply the numbers: 60 × 3 = 180
Convert 180 into Roman numerals: 100 (C) + 80 (LXXX) = CLXXX
Convert LX into its decimal form.
In decimal form, LX is 60.
Break LX into components:
L = 50
X = 10
Add the values: 50 + 10 = 60
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.