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.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are the Roman Numerals. Earlier, people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count. 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 CXLII to represent 142, where C is 100, XL is 40, and II is 2. 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, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a larger number, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. III → 3.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number, called the subtraction method. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
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 won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X, and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 142 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 142 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 142 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place values are tens, hundreds, etc.
For 142, we write it as 100 + 40 + 2.
Step 2: Converting each number into Roman Numerals:
100 in Roman Numerals — C
40 in Roman Numerals — XL
2 in Roman Numerals — II
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together.
Therefore, 142 in Roman Numerals is C (100) + XL (40) + II (2) = CXLII.
When writing a large number into Roman Numeral, we group the number. To write 142 in Roman Numerals, we group 142 as 100 + 40 + 2.
100 in Roman Numerals — C
40 in Roman Numerals — XL
2 in Roman Numerals — II
Thus, 142 is written as CXLII in Roman Numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing a number in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
A historian is transcribing ancient texts and comes across the number CXXII. If he adds XX to it, what will be the result in Roman numerals?
The result of adding CXXII and XX is CXLII.
CXXII is 122 and XX is 20. Adding these gives 122 + 20 = 142. In Roman numerals, 142 is written as CXLII.
An archaeologist finds a collection of MCDXLVIII artifacts and wants to distribute them equally among X groups. How many artifacts will each group receive?
Each group will receive CXLIV artifacts.
MCDXLVIII is 1448. Dividing 1448 by 10 gives 144.8, which is simplified as 144 in whole numbers. In Roman numerals, 144 is CXLIV.
Calculate the product of XIV and X using Roman numerals.
The product of XIV and X is CXL.
XIV represents 14 and X represents 10. The product of 14 × 10 is 140. In Roman numerals, 140 is written as CXL
A collector has a collection of CXLII coins. If he gives away XXII coins, how many coins will he have left?
He will have CXX coins left.
CXLII is 142 and XXII is 22. Subtracting these gives 142 22 = 120. In Roman numerals, 120 is written as CXX.
Convert the sum of LXX and LXXII into Roman numerals.
The sum of LXX and LXXII is CXLII.
LXX is 70 and LXXII is 72. Adding these gives 70 + 72 = 142. In Roman numerals, 142 is written as CXLII.
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.