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, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are 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 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 LXXVI to represent 76, where L is 50, X is 10, X is another 10, V is 5, and I is 1. 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, LXXVI → L + X + X + V + I → 50 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1 = 76.
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 small number is followed by a large 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. For 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 76 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 76 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 76 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 76, we write it as 50 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1.
Step 2: Converting the numbers into Roman numerals:
50 in Roman numerals — L
10 in Roman numerals — X
5 in Roman numerals — V
1 in Roman numerals — I
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 76 in Roman numerals is L (50) + X (10) + X (10) + V (5) + I (1) = LXXVI.
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number.
To write 76 in Roman numerals, we group 76 as 50 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1.
So, 76 is written as LXXVI in Roman numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing a number in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A medieval scholar wants to transcribe LXXVI ancient scrolls in a month. If he completes X scrolls each week, how many weeks will he need to finish his task?
The scholar will need VIII weeks to complete the task.
To find out how many weeks the scholar needs, divide the total number of scrolls by the number of scrolls completed each week.
LXXVI = 76
X = 10
76 / 10 = 7.6
Rounding up, the scholar will need 8 weeks, which is VIII in Roman numerals.
A historian is categorizing ancient artifacts and finds LXXVI relics of one type and XLII relics of another type. What is the total number of relics?
The total number of relics is CXVIII.
Add the two quantities to find the total number of relics.
LXXVI = 76
XLII = 42
76 + 42 = 118
118 in Roman numerals is CXVIII.
An art collector divides his collection of CLII paintings into two parts, with one part containing LXXVI paintings. How many paintings are in the other part?
The other part contains LXXVI paintings.
Subtract the number of paintings in one part from the total to find the number in the other part.
CLII = 152
LXXVI = 76
152 - 76 = 76
76 in Roman numerals is LXXVI.
A librarian organizes her shelves with a total of CLVI books. If each shelf holds LXXVI books, how many shelves does she need?
The librarian needs III shelves.
Divide the total number of books by the number each shelf holds.
CLVI = 156
LXXVI = 76
156 / 76 = 2.05, rounding up, she needs 3 shelves.
3 in Roman numerals is III.
Convert the sum of XXVIII and XLVIII into Roman numerals.
The sum of XXVIII and XLVIII is LXXVI.
Add the two numbers to find the total.
XXVIII = 28
XLVIII = 48
28 + 48 = 76
76 in Roman numerals is LXXVI.
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.