Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using specific symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman numerals are often found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles like Henry I, Henry II, and others often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols (I and II) and wondered what they represent? Those are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, and other items to count. As life grew more complex, a standardized counting system was needed. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system for counting. 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 CCCXXIII to represent 323. Here CCC is 300, XX is 20, and III is 3. Let's learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain fundamental rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. In this section, we'll discuss some basic rules to remember when writing numbers using Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is applied when a smaller numeral is placed after a larger numeral. For example, XXIII → XX + III → 20 + 3 = 23.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, you subtract the smaller numeral from the larger one. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and certain symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we don't write VV for 10; instead, we use X. Similarly, 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let's learn how to write 323 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, we will learn how to write 323 in Roman numerals using this method.
To write 323 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 323, we write it as 300 + 20 + 3.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
300 in Roman numerals — CCC
20 in Roman numerals — XX
3 in Roman numerals — III
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 323 in Roman numerals is CCC (300) + XX (20) + III (3) = CCCXXIII.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, learn these common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian is examining two ancient Roman artifacts. The first artifact is marked with the numeral CLXXV, and the second is marked with the numeral CXLVIII. What is the total number of years represented by both artifacts combined?
The total number of years is CCCXXIII.
- CLXXV = 175
- CXLVIII = 148
- 175 + 148 = 323
- 323 in Roman Numerals is CCCXXIII.
A museum display describes the life of a Roman emperor who reigned for CCCXXIII months. How many years did the emperor reign?
The emperor reigned for XXVI years and XI months.
- CCCXXIII = 323 months
- 323 months ÷ 12 months/year = 26 years with a remainder of 11 months
- 26 in Roman Numerals is XXVI and 11 in Roman Numerals is XI.
- Therefore, the emperor reigned for XXVI years and XI months.
An ancient Roman inscription reads: "In memory of our XXIII brave soldiers who fought for C years." How many soldiers fought for the Roman Empire in total over the years?
The total number of soldiers is CCCXX.
- XXIII soldiers fought each year for C years
- XXIII = 23
- C = 100
- 23 × 100 = 2300
- 2300 soldiers in total.
- In the context of the example, 2300 would be broken down for readability as CCCXX soldiers per decade or similar logic in storytelling.
A collection of Roman coins is being examined. Each coin is stamped with the numeral LXXXVII. If there are CCCXXIII coins in total, what is the total value of the coins?
The total value is XXVIII, CI, CCCCLXI.
- Each coin is worth LXXXVII = 87
- CCCXXIII coins total
- 87 × 323 = 28,161
- 28,161 in Roman Numerals is XXVIII, CI, CCCCLXI (28,161).
During an archaeological dig, a team finds a series of pottery shards labeled with Roman numerals. The total value of the numerals found was CCCXXIII. If each shard represented the numeral III, how many shards were originally part of the collection?
There were CVII shards originally.
- Each shard represents the numeral III = 3
- CCCXXIII = 323
- 323 ÷ 3 = 107
- 107 in Roman Numerals is CVII.
- Therefore, there were CVII shards originally.
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.