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 Roman numerals. Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count earlier. 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 XXXVI to represent 36, where XXX is 30 and VI is 6. 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, XXXVI → XXX + VI → 30 + 6 = 36
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a larger number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a small number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, XL → L - X → 50 - 10 = 40
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 LL for 100; instead, we use C. Similarly, 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 36 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 36 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 36 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value: ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 36, we write it as 30 + 6.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman numerals:
30 in Roman Numerals — XXX
6 in Roman Numerals — VI
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 36 in Roman Numerals is XXX (30) + VI (6) = XXXVI
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers. To write 36 in Roman numerals, we group 36 as 30 + 6.
30 in Roman Numerals — XXX
6 in Roman Numerals — VI
So, 36 is written as XXXVI 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.
A merchant has XXXVI crates of apples and wants to distribute them equally into VI baskets. How many crates will each basket contain?
Each basket will contain VI crates.
To find the number of crates per basket, divide the total number of crates by the number of baskets.
XXXVI = 36
VI = 6
Therefore, XXXVI / VI = 36 / 6 = 6.
6 in Roman numerals can be written as VI.
A historian finds XXXVI ancient coins and decides to catalogue them along with CXII other artifacts. How many items does the historian have in total?
The historian has CXLVIII items in total.
To find the total number of items, add the number of coins to the number of artifacts.
XXXVI = 36
CXII = 112
36 + 112 = 148
148 in Roman numerals can be written as CXLVIII.
A clock chimes every III hours, starting at IX o'clock. How many times will it chime by the time it reaches XXXVI o'clock?
he clock will chime IX times.
To find the number of times the clock chimes, divide the total hours by the frequency of chimes.
XXXVI = 36
III = 3
36 / 3 = 12
Starting from IX o'clock, the clock chimes at IX, XII, XV, XVIII, XXI, XXIV, XXVII, XXX, XXXIII, and XXXVI.
The clock chimes IX times.
Calculate the difference between the Roman numerals XLII and VI.
The difference between XLII and VI is XXXVI.
The difference of two numbers is the value we get when subtracting one number from the other.
XLII = 42
VI = 6
42 - 6 = 36
36 in Roman numerals can be written as XXXVI.
Convert the result of (XX + XVI) into Roman numerals using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for XX + XVI is XXXVI.
Step 1: Convert the numbers to Roman numerals:
XX = 20
XVI = 16
Step 2: Add the numbers together: 20 + 16 = 36
Using the expansion method: 36 = 30 + 6 = XXX + VI = XXXVI.
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.