Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals.
In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was required for counting. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system for this purpose. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used in this system.
In Roman numerals, we use DCCCLXXIII to represent 873. Here, D is 500, CCC is 300, L is 50, XX is 20, and III is 3. 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.
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number, indicating addition. For example, DCCCLXXIII → D (500) + CCC (300) + L (50) + XX (20) + III (3) = 873.
To write certain numbers, some Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → C + C + C = 300.
If a small number is placed before a larger number, it indicates subtraction. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
The symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we don't write LL for 100 instead we use C, and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 873 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals:
In the expansion method, based on place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 873 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 873 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number down based on place value: hundreds, tens, ones, etc. For 873, we write it as 800 + 70 + 3.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 873 in Roman numerals is DCCC (800) + LXX (70) + III (3) = DCCCLXXIII.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers. To write 873 in Roman numerals, we group 873 as 800 + 70 + 3.
So, 873 is written as DCCCLXXIII 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 ways to avoid them.
Calculate the sum of DCCC and LXXIII.
The sum of DCCC and LXXIII is DCCCLXXIII.
To find the sum, we add the values of the Roman numerals.
DCCC = 800
LXXIII = 73
800 + 73 = 873
873 in Roman Numerals is DCCCLXXIII.
A historian finds an ancient scroll that records the year DCCCLXXIII. Determine the year in modern numerals.
The year DCCCLXXIII in modern numerals is 873.
In Roman numerals,
D = 500,
CCC = 300,
LXX = 70,
III = 3.
Adding these together gives
500 + 300 + 70 + 3 = 873.
Divide the total of MCMXLVI by DCCCLXXIII.
The quotient of MCMXLVI divided by DCCCLXXIII is I with a remainder of DCCCLXXIII.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers.
MCMXLVI = 1946
DCCCLXXIII = 873
1946 ÷ 873 = 2 remainder 200
The quotient in Roman numerals is I with a remainder of CC.
A collector has DCCCXLVIII rare coins and wants to have a total of DCCCLXXIII. How many more coins does he need?
The collector needs XXV more coins.
To find out how many more coins are needed, subtract the number of coins the collector has from the desired total.
DCCCLXXIII = 873
DCCCXLVIII = 848
873 - 848 = 25
25 in Roman numerals is XXV.
Express the result of adding CDXCIII and CCCLXXX in Roman numerals.
The sum of CDXCIII and CCCLXXX is DCCCLXXIII.
Convert each numeral to its numeric value.
CDXCIII = 493
CCCLXXX = 380
493 + 380 = 873
873 in Roman numerals is DCCCLXXIII.
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.