Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a method of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman Numerals are used in various contexts such as royal titles, book names, and sequences. Here we will be discussing Roman Numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, like Henry I, Henry II, etc., utilize Roman numerals. Have you ever wondered about these symbols (I, II) and their meanings? They are Roman Numerals.
In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became complex, a standardized form was required for counting, leading to the development of the Roman Numeral system. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used for counting.
In Roman Numerals, we use CMIII to represent 903, where CM is 900 (1000 - 100) and III is 3. 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.
The addition method is applied when a smaller number is placed after a larger number, indicating addition. For example, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8
Certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times to form other numbers. For instance, III → 3.
When a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D are never repeated. For example, we don't write VV for 10; we use X instead.
Let’s now learn how to write 903 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 903 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 903 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value into hundreds, tens, and ones. For 903, we write it as 900 + 3
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman Numerals
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals. Therefore, 903 in Roman Numerals is CM (900) + III (3) = CMIII
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 903 in Roman Numerals, we group 903 as 900 + 3
So, 903 is written as CMIII in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn from a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.
A historian is cataloging artifacts and finds CMIII coins buried in the site. If each artifact box can hold LXXV coins, how many full boxes can be filled?
The number of full boxes that can be filled is XII.
To find the number of full boxes, divide the total number of coins by the number of coins each box can hold.
CMIII = 903
LXXV = 75
903 / 75 = 12 full boxes.
12 in Roman numerals is XII.
During a marathon, a runner completes CMIII meters. If the total marathon distance is MMXLII meters, how much distance is left for the runner to complete?
The distance left to complete is MCMXXXIX meters.
To find the remaining distance, subtract the completed distance from the total distance.
MMXLII = 2042
CMIII = 903
2042 - 903 = 1139
1139 in Roman numerals is MCMXXXIX.
A scholar records the years of study using Roman numerals and notes that she started in DCC and ended in MDCIII. How many years did her study span?
The study spanned CMIII years.
To find the span of years, subtract the start year from the end year.
MDCIII = 1603
DCC = 700
1603 - 700 = 903
903 in Roman numerals is CMIII.
A library has CMIII ancient scrolls. If they decide to distribute them equally among IX sections, how many scrolls will each section receive?
Each section will receive CI scrolls.
To find the number of scrolls each section receives, divide the total number of scrolls by the number of sections.
CMIII = 903
IX = 9
903 / 9 = 100
100 in Roman numerals is C.
A museum received a donation of CMIII historical artifacts. If they plan to display C artifacts each month, how many complete months can they display the artifacts?
The museum can display artifacts for IX complete months.
To find the number of complete months, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of artifacts displayed each month.
CMIII = 903
C = 100
903 / 100 = 9 complete months.
9 in Roman numerals is IX.
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.