Table Of Contents
Last updated on February 20th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system for expressing numbers using specific symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used in this system. Roman numerals are often seen in contexts like royal titles, book names, and sequences. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Have you noticed the use of Roman numerals in royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, etc.? These symbols are known as Roman numerals. In ancient times, people used their fingers, sticks, and bones for counting.
As life became more complex, a standardized counting system was needed. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system. The symbols used include I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we use CLXXXI to represent 181. Here, C is 100, L is 50, XXX is 30, and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss some of these rules that need to be remembered.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number, indicating addition. For example, CLXXXI → C + L + X + X + X + I → 100 + 50 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 1 = 181.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to form larger numbers. For example, XXX → 30 (X is repeated three times).
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, the smaller is subtracted from the larger. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
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 write 8 as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 181 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value.
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: 100 + 50 + 30 + 1.
Step 2: Convert each part to Roman numerals:
100 in Roman numerals is C.
50 in Roman numerals is L.
30 in Roman numerals is XXX.
1 in Roman numerals is I.
Step 3: Combine them together: C (100) + L (50) + XXX (30) + I (1) = CLXXXI.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 181, we group it as 100 + 50 + 30 + 1:
100 in Roman numerals is C.
50 in Roman numerals is L.
30 in Roman numerals is XXX.
1 in Roman numerals is I.
So, 181 is written as CLXXXI in Roman numerals.
Find the product of XC and II.
A librarian has DLXXXI books and wants to distribute them equally among III students. How many books will each student receive?
Find the sum of CLXX and XI.
What is the difference between CC and XIX?
Write the Roman Numeral for 100 + 81 using the expansion method.
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.