Last updated on May 26th, 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 MCMXXVI.
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. MCMXXVI in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., MCMXXVI = 1926.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral MCMXXVI, how we write them, 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 VIII, we have 5 + 3 = 8
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, 10 is represented as X and not VV.
Let us learn about how to write MCMXXVI 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 MCMXXVI,
Step 1: First, we break the Roman numerals. MCMXXVI = M + CM + X + X + V + I
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral M is 1000 The Roman Numeral CM is 900 The Roman Numeral X is 10 The Roman Numeral V is 5 The Roman Numeral I is 1
Step 3: Combine all the numbers M + CM + X + X + V + I = 1000 + 900 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1 = 1926. Therefore, the Roman Numeral MCMXXVI is 1926.
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 MCMXXVI.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are M, CM, XX, VI. The numeral for M is 1000 The numeral for CM is 900 The numeral for XX is 20 The numeral for VI is 6
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place. Here we add all to get MCMXXVI. Therefore, the numeral of MCMXXVI is 1926.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.
A historian discovers two ancient Roman tablets. One is inscribed with the numerals MCMXXVI and the other with DCCLIV. What is the sum of these numerals in Roman form?
The sum is MMDCXL.
Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal form:
MCMXXVI = 1926
DCCLIV = 754
Now add both numbers: 1926 + 754 = 2680
Convert the number into its Roman numeral: 2680 = 2000 (MM) + 600 (DC) + 80 (LXXX) = MMDCXL
A puzzle contains a Roman numeral MCMXXVI, and you need to subtract CDLVI from it. What is the result, in Roman numerals?
The result is MCDLXX.
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal form:
MCMXXVI = 1926
CDLVI = 456
Subtract the numbers: 1926 - 456 = 1470
Convert the number into its Roman numeral: 1470 = 1000 (M) + 400 (CD) + 70 (LXX) = MCDLXX
A vintage clock displays the time MCMXXVI minutes past midnight. How many hours is that, and write the answer in Roman numerals?
The answer is XXXII.
Convert MCMXXVI into its decimal form:
MCMXXVI = 1926
Divide by 60 to find the number of hours: 1926 ÷ 60 = 32.1 (use the whole number for hours)
Write 32 in Roman numerals: 32 = 30 (XXX) + 2 (II) = XXXII
A treasure map gives a clue that involves multiplying MCMXXVI by II. What is the product in Roman numerals?
The product is MMMDCCCLII.
Convert MCMXXVI and II into numbers:
MCMXXVI = 1926
II = 2
Multiply the numbers: 1926 × 2 = 3852
Convert 3852 into its Roman numerals: 3000 (MMM) + 800 (DCCC) + 50 (L) + 2 (II) = MMMDCCCLII
A cryptic message begins with the numeral MCMXXVI. What is its decimal form?
In decimal form, MCMXXVI is 1926.
Break MCMXXVI into components:
M = 1000
CM = 900 (1000 - 100)
XX = 20
VI = 6
Add values: 1000 + 900 + 20 + 6 = 1926
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.