Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols we use are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these names and wondered what the symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals. Earlier, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed for counting. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system for this purpose. 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 CCV to represent 205. Here, CC is 200, and V is 5. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss some of these rules:
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, CCV → CC + V → 200 + 5 = 205.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write larger numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger one. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
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 learn how to write 205 in Roman numerals using two methods:
In the expansion method, based on place value, the number is broken down. To write 205 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, ones.
For 205, we write it as 200 + 5.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman numerals:
200 in Roman numerals — CC
5 in Roman numerals — V
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 205 in Roman numerals is CC (200) + V (5) = CCV.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers.
To write 205 in Roman numerals, we group 205 as 200 + 5:
200 in Roman numerals — CC
5 in Roman numerals — V
So, 205 is written as CCV in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, one should learn from common mistakes and avoid them.
A historian has XV ancient scrolls, each containing XIV pages. How many pages are there in total?
The total number of pages is CCX.
In Roman numerals, XV is 15 and XIV is 14. The product of 15 and 14 is 210. 210 in Roman numerals is CCX.
An architect designed a building with CCV windows distributed evenly across V floors. How many windows are on each floor?
Each floor has XLI windows.
To find out how many windows are on each floor, divide the total number of windows by the number of floors. CCV = 205, and V = 5. Therefore, 205 / 5 = 41. 41 in Roman numerals is XLI.
A treasure map shows a route marked by CC and V steps. What is the total number of steps on the map?
The total number of steps is CCV.
The sum is the result of adding two numbers. CC = 200 and V = 5. 200 + 5 = 205. Therefore, the total number of steps is 205, which is CCV in Roman numerals.
What is the difference between CCX and V?
The difference between CCX and V is CCV.
The difference between two numbers is found by subtracting one from the other. CCX = 210 and V = 5. 210 - 5 = 205. 205 in Roman numerals is CCV.
Write the Roman numeral for the sum of 150 and 55.
The Roman numeral for 150 + 55 is CCV.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 150 and 55 into Roman numerals.
150 - CL
55 - LV
Add the numbers together: 150 + 55 = 205. Therefore, 205 in Roman numerals is CCV.
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.