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 the names and wondered what these symbols represented? Those are Roman numerals. Earlier, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. When life became complex, a standard form was required.
Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use to count. In Roman numerals, we use CMLXXXVIII to represent 988. Here, CM is 900, LXXX is 80, and VIII is 8.
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. For example, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8.
To write a large number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated three times. III → 3.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, CM → M - C → 1000 - 100 = 900.
The 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 988 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, based on the place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 988 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 988 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, ones. For 988, we write it as 900 + 80 + 8.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman numerals.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 988 in Roman numerals is CM (900) + LXXX (80) + VIII (8) = CMLXXXVIII.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers. To write 988 in Roman numerals, we group 988 as 900 + 80 + 8.
So, 988 is written as CMLXXXVIII in Roman numerals.
Students 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.
Calculate the sum of DCCCLXXXVIII and C.
The sum of DCCCLXXXVIII and C is MLXXXVIII.
DCCCLXXXVIII is 888 and C is 100.
The sum is 888 + 100 = 988.
988 in Roman Numerals is MLXXXVIII.
A historian discovers DCCCLXXXVIII coins from two centuries ago. He decides to distribute them among VIII collectors equally. How many coins does each collector receive?
Each collector receives CXXIII coins.
To find the number of coins each collector receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of collectors.
DCCCLXXXVIII = 888 and VIII = 8.
Therefore, 888 / 8 = 111.
111 in Roman Numerals is CXI.
Convert the year 988 AD to Roman numerals.
The year 988 AD in Roman numerals is MLXXXVIII.
To convert 988 to Roman numerals, break it down: 900 + 80 + 8, which is CM + LXXX + VIII, resulting in MLXXXVIII.
A puzzle has MLXXXVIII pieces, and a player uses D pieces in one session. How many pieces are left?
There are DLXXXVIII pieces left.
Subtract the number of pieces used from the total:
MLXXXVIII is 1088 and D is 500.
1088 - 500 = 588.
588 in Roman Numerals is DLXXXVIII.
Express the sum of DCCC and CLXXXVIII using Roman numerals.
The sum of DCCC and CLXXXVIII is MLXXXVIII.
DCCC is 800 and CLXXXVIII is 188.
The sum is 800 + 188 = 988.
988 in Roman Numerals is MLXXXVIII.
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.