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 fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans used the Roman Numeral system for counting. 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 LXXIV to represent 74, here L is 50, XX is 20, and IV is 4. 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; then it is the addition method. For example, LXX → L + X + X → 50 + 10 + 10 = 70
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a large number, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. XXX → 30.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number is followed by a larger number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number; it is a subtraction method. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4
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 LLL for 150; instead, we use CL.
Let’s now learn how to write 74 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 74 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 74 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: The number is broken based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 74, we write it as 50 + 20 + 4.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals:
50 in Roman Numeral — L
20 in Roman Numeral — XX
4 in Roman Numeral — IV
Step 3: Combining the Roman Numerals together:
Therefore, 74 in Roman Numerals is L (50) + XX (20) + IV (4) = LXXIV.
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number.
To write 74 in Roman Numerals, we group 74 as 50 + 20 + 4.
50 in Roman Numeral — L
20 in Roman Numeral — XX
4 in Roman Numeral — IV
So, 74 is written as LXXIV in Roman Numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
Find the difference between LXXXVI and XII.
The difference between LXXXVI and XII is LXXIV.
The difference of two numbers is the value obtained when subtracting one number from the other.
LXXXVI = 86
XII = 12
86 - 12 = 74
74 in Roman numerals is LXXIV.
A historian discovered a scroll that mentions the construction of XCIV buildings over XX years. Calculate the average number of buildings constructed per year.
The average number of buildings constructed per year is IV.
To find the average, divide the total number of buildings by the total number of years.
XCIV = 94
XX = 20
94 / 20 = 4.7, rounded down to 4
4 in Roman numerals is IV.
Find the sum of L and XXIV.
The sum of L and XXIV is LXXIV.
The sum is the result of adding two numbers.
L = 50
XXIV = 24
50 + 24 = 74
74 in Roman numerals is LXXIV.
What is the product of IX and VIII?
The product of IX and VIII is LXXII.
The product is the result of multiplying two numbers.
IX = 9
VIII = 8
9 × 8 = 72
72 in Roman numerals is LXXII.
Write the Roman numeral for 30 + 44 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 30 + 44 is LXXIV.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 30 and 44 into Roman numerals.
30 - XXX
44 - XLIV
Step 2: Add the numbers together: 30 + 44 = 74
Step 3: Using the expansion method: 74 = 70 + 4 = LXX + IV = LXXIV.
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.