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Last updated on March 24th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of numerical notation used in ancient Rome, employing combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. They are utilized in various contexts, such as in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent? These are Roman numerals.
In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, or bones. As life became more complex, a standardized counting system was needed. The Romans developed their numerals to address this need. The symbols used include I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). In Roman numerals, we write 39000 as XXXIX with a line above it (a vinculum), representing multiplication by 1000.
Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how they are written.
There are certain basic rules to write numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss some of these rules:
When a smaller numeral follows a larger one, their values are added. For example, XI → X + I → 10 + 1 = 11.
Some Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to represent larger numbers. For example, III → 3.
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, the smaller is subtracted from the larger. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
A line over a numeral multiplies it by 1000. For example, V̅ represents 5000. Hence, XXXIX with a line above it represents 39000.
Let’s now learn how to write 39000 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 39000 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value. For 39000, break it down as 30000 + 9000.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals. Therefore, 39000 in Roman numerals is XXXIX with a line above it.
For large numbers, group them into smaller components. To write 39000 in Roman numerals, group it as 30000 + 9000.
Thus, 39000 is written as XXXIX with a line above it in Roman numerals.
A historian discovers an ancient scroll that states a city was founded in the year MCMXXXIV. How many years have passed since then if the current year is MMXXIII?
An art collector has MMMCM paintings and wants to display them in XXVII galleries equally. How many paintings will each gallery display?
Calculate the sum of MMMMM and MMMCMXC.
A collector has a rare coin marked with the year MDCCCLXXXVIII. How many years ago was this coin minted if the current year is MMXXIII?
Write the Roman Numeral for the sum of 19500 and 19500 using the expansion method.
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.