Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols used in Roman numerals include I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are often used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Have you ever noticed the numerals used in royal titles like Henry VIII or Elizabeth II and wondered what these symbols represent? Those are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standardized form was required for counting. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system for this purpose. The symbols used include I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we use CXXXVII to represent 137, where C is 100, X is 10, and VII is 7. 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.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, in CXXXVII → C + XXX + VII → 100 + 30 + 7 = 137.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a larger number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30 (X is repeated three times).
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a small number is placed before a larger number in Roman numerals, it is subtracted 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 instance, we do not write VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let’s now learn how to write 137 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, based on place value, the number is broken down. Here we will learn how to write 137 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 137 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value. For 137, we write it as 100 + 30 + 7.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
100 in Roman numerals is C.
30 in Roman numerals is XXX.
7 in Roman numerals is VII.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals:
Therefore, 137 in Roman numerals is C (100) + XXX (30) + VII (7) = CXXXVII.
When writing a larger number in Roman numerals, we group the number. For 137, we group it as 100 + 30 + 7:
100 in Roman Numerals is C.
30 in Roman Numerals is XXX.
7 in Roman Numerals is VII.
Thus, 137 is written as CXXXVII in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
Convert CXXXVII into Arabic numerals and find its square.
The square of CXXXVII is 18769.
CXXXVII represents 137 in Arabic numerals.
To find its square, calculate 137 × 137 = 18769.
A historian discovered a manuscript with CXXXVII pages, distributed evenly over XIX chapters. How many pages does each chapter contain?
Each chapter contains VII pages.
To find the number of pages per chapter, divide the total number of pages by the number of chapters:
CXXXVII / XIX
CXXXVII = 137, XIX = 19
137 / 19 = 7
7 in Roman numerals is VII.
The sum of two Roman numerals is CXXXVII. If one numeral is LXXXVII, what is the other numeral?
The other numeral is L.
Let the unknown numeral be X.
X + LXXXVII = CXXXVII
Convert the numerals to Arabic:
X + 87 = 137
X = 137 87 = 50
50 in Roman numerals is L.
A collector has a set of coins labeled XIII and another set labeled CXXIV. What is the total number of coins if the labels indicate their respective quantities?
The total number of coins is CXXXVII.
Convert the Roman numerals to Arabic and add them:
XIII = 13
CXXIV = 124
13 + 124 = 137
137 in Roman numerals is CXXXVII.
Express the result of multiplying XVII by VIII in Roman numerals.
The product is CXXXVI.
Convert the Roman numerals to Arabic and multiply:
XVII = 17
VIII = 8
17 × 8 = 136
136 in Roman numerals is CXXXVI.
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.