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Last updated on February 21st, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used. Roman numerals are often used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Have you ever noticed royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, etc., and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represent? These are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was required. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system to count. The symbols are: I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we use CCCXCI to represent 391, where CCC is 300, XC is 90, and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
Certain basic rules need to be remembered when writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss these rules:
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, XI → X + I → 10 + 1 = 11
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write larger numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, we subtract the smaller number from the larger 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 391 in Roman numerals using different methods:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here's how to write 391 in Roman numerals using the expansion method:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place values: hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 391, we write it as 300 + 90 + 1.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
300 in Roman numerals — CCC
90 in Roman numerals — XC
1 in Roman numerals — I
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals.
Therefore, 391 in Roman numerals is CCC (300) + XC (90) + I (1) = CCCXCI.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers.
To write 391 in Roman numerals, we group 391 as 300 + 90 + 1:
300 in Roman numerals — CCC
90 in Roman numerals — XC
1 in Roman numerals — I
So, 391 is written as CCCXCI in Roman numerals.
Calculate the sum of CC and CXCI.
A historian has CCCCLX ancient coins to be distributed equally among XVII museums. How many coins does each museum receive?
A library received a shipment of CDXCVI books, but XXXV were damaged and returned. How many books are in good condition?
A park has a rectangular garden with a length of LIII meters and a width of VII meters. Find the perimeter of the garden in Roman numerals.
Convert the result of (CXLV - LIV) × II into Roman numerals.
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.