Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used to represent these numbers. Roman numerals are commonly found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, the rules for writing them, and provide 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 (I and II) represent? 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 developed the Roman numeral system for this purpose. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used in this system.
In Roman numerals, we use CIV to represent 104, where C is 100, IV is 4. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
There are certain basic rules to write numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss some basic rules that need to be remembered when writing numbers in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6.
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 in Roman numerals, the smaller number is subtracted from the larger number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
The symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we wouldn't write VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let’s learn how to write 104 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 104 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value. For 104, we write it as 100 + 4.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
- 100 in Roman Numerals — C
- 4 in Roman Numerals — IV
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together:
Therefore, 104 in Roman numerals is C (100) + IV (4) = CIV.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number:
To write 104 in Roman numerals, we group it as 100 + 4.
100 in Roman Numerals — C
4 in Roman Numerals — IV
So, 104 is written as CIV in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, it helps to learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historical society plans to distribute CLXXXVIII artifacts equally among XLVII museums. How many artifacts will each museum receive?
The number of artifacts each museum will receive is IV.
To find the number of artifacts each museum gets, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of museums.
CLXXXVIII = 188
XLVII = 47
188 / 47 = 4
4 in Roman numerals is IV.
Calculate the product of LII and II.
The product of LII and II is CIV.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers.
LII = 52
II = 2
52 × 2 = 104
104 in Roman numerals is CIV.
If a historian adds the value of LXII to XLII, what is the sum in Roman numerals?
The sum of LXII and XLII is CIV.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers and add them.
LXII = 62
XLII = 42
62 + 42 = 104
104 in Roman numerals is CIV.
A researcher calculates the difference between CXXI and XVII. What is the result in Roman numerals?
The difference between CXXI and XVII is CIV.
Subtract the smaller number from the larger one.
CXXI = 121
XVII = 17
121 - 17 = 104
104 in Roman numerals is CIV.
Write the Roman numeral for the sum of LVI and XLVIII using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for LVI + XLVIII is CIV.
Convert the numbers to Roman numerals and add them.
LVI = 56
XLVIII = 48
56 + 48 = 104
Using the expansion method: 104 = 100 + 4 = CIV.
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.