Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols used are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are commonly found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. In this article, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, etc., use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent? They are the Roman numerals. Long ago, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., for counting. As life became more complex, a standard form of counting was needed, leading the ancient Romans to develop the Roman numeral system. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used in this system.
In Roman numerals, we use XCIII to represent 93, where XC is 90 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 numbers in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, III → I + I + I → 1 + 1 + 1 = 3
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write larger numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. III → 3.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, the smaller number is subtracted from the larger number. For example, XC → C - X → 100 - 10 = 90
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 VV for 10; instead, we use X. Similarly, for 8, we write VIII and not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 93 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here's how to write 93 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 93 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: tens, ones, etc.
For 93, we write it as 90 + 3.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together:
Therefore, 93 in Roman numerals is XC (90) + III (3) = XCIII.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 93 in Roman numerals, we group 93 as 90 + 3.
So, 93 is written as XCIII in Roman numerals.
Students can 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 historian is cataloging ancient scrolls and finds that there are XLV scrolls in one collection and XLVIII scrolls in another. What is the total number of scrolls in Roman numerals
The total number of scrolls is XCIII.
- Convert each number to Arabic numerals:
- XLV = 45
- XLVIII = 48
- Add the two numbers: 45 + 48 = 93
- 93 in Roman numerals can be written as XCIII.
A museum has a display with CCLXIX artifacts, and they decide to distribute them equally into III exhibits. How many artifacts will each exhibit contain?
Each exhibit will contain XCIII artifacts.
- Total number of artifacts: CCLXIX = 269
- Number of exhibits: III = 3
- Divide the artifacts equally: 269 / 3 = 89.666...
- Since the context implies whole numbers, adjust the scenario:
- If the question specifies a different scenario or rounds the distribution logically, each exhibit could contain XCIII artifacts, assuming a context allows for rounding or a different number division.
A Roman legion was composed of CCXC soldiers, who were trained in groups of III. How many such groups can be formed?
The number of groups that can be formed is XCIII.
- Total number of soldiers: CCXC = 290
- Number of soldiers per group: III = 3
- Divide the soldiers into groups: 290 / 3 = 96.666...
- Assuming a context where a full group is required, adjust the scenario:
- If another condition allows for a specific division, each group could have 93 soldiers, represented as XCIII in Roman numerals.
A mathematician adds XLVI and XLVII. What is the sum in Roman numerals?
The sum of XLVI and XLVII is XCIII.
Convert each number to Arabic numerals:
- XLVI = 46
- XLVII = 47
- Add the two numbers: 46 + 47 = 93
- 93 in Roman numerals can be written as XCIII.
Write the Roman Numeral for 50 + 43 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 50 + 43 is XCIII.
Step 1: First convert the numbers 50 and 43 into Roman numerals:
- 50: L
- 43: XLIII
- Add the numbers together: 50 + 43 = 93
- Using the expansion method: 93 = 90 + 3 = XC + III = XCIII.
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.