Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are the way of expressing numbers using symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman Numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman Numerals, rules, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman Numerals. Have you noticed these names and wondered what these symbols represented? Those are the Roman Numerals. Earlier, people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard form was required to count, and ancient Romans used the Roman Numeral system. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used to count.
In Roman Numerals, we use CCXXXVII to represent 237, where C is 100, X is 10, and I is 1. 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 that need to be remembered when writing a number in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VII → V + I + I → 5 + 1 + 1 = 7.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write larger numbers, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 100 + 100 + 100 = 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let’s now learn how to write 237 in Roman Numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman Numerals.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on the place value. In this section, we will learn how to write 237 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 237 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. For 237, it is 200 + 30 + 7.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman Numerals:
200 in Roman Numerals — CC
30 in Roman Numerals — XXX
7 in Roman Numerals — VII
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together.
Therefore, 237 in Roman Numerals is CC (200) + XXX (30) + VII (7) = CCXXXVII.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the numbers. To write 237 in Roman Numerals, we group it as 200 + 30 + 7.
200 in Roman Numerals — CC
30 in Roman Numerals — XXX
7 in Roman Numerals — VII
So, 237 is written as CCXXXVII 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 the ways to avoid them.
A historian discovers an ancient scroll with a year written as CCXXXVII and wants to verify the sum of the digits in the number. What is the sum of the digits?
The sum of the digits in CCXXXVII is 12.
First, convert CCXXXVII to a regular number:
CCXXXVII = 237
Now, find the sum of the digits:
2 + 3 + 7 = 12
In a math class, students are asked to find the quotient when dividing 474 by CCXXXVII. What is the quotient?
The quotient is II.
First, convert CCXXXVII to a regular number:
CCXXXVII = 237
Now, calculate the quotient:
474 ÷ 237 = 2
2 in Roman Numerals is II.
A puzzle challenge requires participants to determine the difference between DCCLXXIV and CCXXXVII. What is the difference?
The difference is DXXXVII.
Convert the Roman numerals to regular numbers:
DCCLXXIV = 774
CCXXXVII = 237
Calculate the difference:
774 237 = 537
537 in Roman Numerals is DXXXVII.
A collector buys CCXXXVII ancient coins and later acquires additional coins, bringing the total to DCCXLVIII. How many additional coins were acquired?
The number of additional coins acquired is DXI.
Convert the Roman numerals to regular numbers:
CCXXXVII = 237
DCCXLVIII = 748
Find the additional coins:
748 237 = 511
511 in Roman Numerals is DXI.
A codebreaker encounters a sequence where each letter of the alphabet is represented by its position as a Roman numeral. If the code reads "CCXXXVII," which letter does it represent?
The letter is 'I'.
Convert the Roman numeral to a regular number:
CCXXXVII = 237
Since there are 26 letters in the English alphabet, calculate the equivalent position:
237 mod 26 = 9
The 9th letter of the alphabet is 'I'.
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.