131 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
MCM in Roman Numerals
To meet their daily commerce and administration needs, the ancient Romans developed Roman Numerals. It used a combination of seven symbols — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent numbers. Roman numerals were used to record transactions, keep track of data, and label military units. In this topic, we are going to learn about the Roman numeral MCM.
What is MCM in Roman Numerals?
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. So to overcome the complexity, the Roman numeric system was developed. This was widely used throughout Europe as a standard writing system until the late Middle Ages.
Seven symbols are used to represent numbers in the Roman numeric system — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. The numerals are made up of different combinations of these symbols. MCM in Roman numerals can be written in number form by using the subtraction method, i.e. MCM = 1900.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral MCM, how we write them, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.
Basic Rules for MCM in Roman Numerals
When writing Roman numerals, there are a few rules that we need to follow based on the Roman numerals we are trying to write. In this section, we will learn about the rules when writing Roman numerals and how to represent them.
Rule 1: Addition Method:
When a larger symbol is followed by a smaller symbol, we add the numerals to each other. For example, in VIII, we have 5 + 3 = 8
Rule 2: Repetition Method:
A symbol that is repeated three times in continuation increases the value of the numeral. For example, XXX = 30
Rule 3: Subtraction Method:
We use the subtraction method when a larger symbol follows a smaller symbol. For example, XL = 40 (which is 50 – 10).
Rule 4: Limitation Rule:
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols, such as V, L, and D cannot be repeated more than once. For example, 10 is represented as X and not VV.
How to Write MCM in Roman Numerals?
Let us learn about how to write MCM in Roman numerals. There are two methods that we can use to write Roman numerals:
- By Expansion Method
- By Grouping Method
MCM in Roman Numeral by Expansion Method
The breaking down of Roman numerals into parts and then converting them into numerals is what we call the expansion method. The expansion method is the breaking down of Roman numerals into numerical form and adding/subtracting them to get the final number.
Step 1: Break the Roman numerals into parts.
Step 2: Now write each of the Roman numerals with its numerical digit in the place value.
Step 3: Add or subtract the numerals as needed.
For MCM,
Step 1: First we break the Roman numerals. MCM = M + CM
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral M is 1000 The Roman Numeral CM is 900 (C is 100 and M is 1000, so CM = 1000 - 100 = 900)
Step 3: Combine all the numbers M + CM = 1000 + 900 = 1900. Therefore, the Roman Numeral MCM is 1900.
MCM in Roman Numeral by Grouping Method
Using subtraction and addition rules, we will apply the grouping method. This means we break the Roman numerals into smaller groups, which makes it easier to work with. This method groups the Roman numerals logically, and then we write the numbers for each group.
Step 1: Take the largest number and write the number for that Roman numeral.
Step 2: Write the Roman numeral using the subtraction and addition rules
Example: Let’s take the Roman numeral MCM.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are M and CM. The numeral for M is 1000
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place.
Here we subtract C from M to form CM and then add to M to get MCM. The Roman numeral CM is 900 Therefore, the numeral of MCM is 1900.
Numbers Related to MCM in Roman Numerals
We follow a pattern when it comes to writing Roman numerals. In this section, we will write some numbers related to the Roman numeral MCM:
| Roman Numeral | Number | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| MCMXCVI | 1896 | M + CM + XC + VI |
| MCMXCVII | 1897 | M + CM + XC + VII |
| MCMXCVIII | 1898 | M + CM + XC + VIII |
| MCMXCIX | 1899 | M + CM + XC + IX |
| MCM | 1900 | M + CM |
| MCMI | 1901 | M + CM + I |
| MCMII | 1902 | M + CM + II |
| MCMIII | 1903 | M + CM + III |
| MCMIV | 1904 | M + CM + IV |
| MCMV | 1905 | M + CM + V |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in MCM Roman Numerals
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.
Mistake 1
Mistakes when applying the repetition method
It can be quite confusing for beginners to remember that Roman Numerals cannot be repeated more than three times. Another thing to keep in mind is that Roman Numerals such as V, L, and D cannot be repeated.
For example, writing LL as 100 is incorrect, the correct answer is C.
MCM Roman Numerals Examples
Problem 1
Calculate the sum of MCM + CCL. Write your answer in Roman numerals.
MMCL is the sum of MCM + CCL.
Explanation
Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal form,
MCM = 1900
CCL = 250
Now add both numbers: 1900 + 250 = 2150
Now convert the number into its Roman numeral, 2150 = 2000 (MM) + 100 (C) + 50 (L) = MMCL
Problem 2
Determine the difference between MMX - MCM. Write in Roman numerals.
CX is the difference between MMX and MCM.
Explanation
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal form,
MMX = 2010
MCM = 1900
Now subtract the numbers, 2010 - 1900 = 110
Convert the number into its Roman numeral, 110 = 100 (C) + 10 (X) = CX
Problem 3
Divide MCM by III and write the answer in Roman numerals.
DCXXXIII
Explanation
Convert MCM into its decimal form,
MCM = 1900
Divide by 3, 1900 / 3 = 633
Write 633 in Roman numerals: 600 (DC) + 30 (XXX) + 3 (III) = DCXXXIII
Problem 4
Find the product of MCM and V.
The product of MCM and V is DCCCML.
Explanation
Write MCM and V in numbers,
MCM = 1900
V = 5
Multiply the numbers, 1900 × 5 = 9500
Convert 9500 into its Roman numerals, 9000 (MMMMMMMMM) + 500 (D) = DCCCML
Problem 5
Convert MCM into its decimal form.
In decimal form, MCM is 1900.
Explanation
Break MCM into components,
M = 1000
CM = 900 (1000 - 100)
Add values: 1000 + 900 = 1900
FAQs on MCM in Roman Numerals
1.What is CM in Roman numerals?
2.Is MCM a prime number?
3.What is MCM + MCM?
4.What is MM?
5.Subtract C from MCM
6.How can children in United States use numbers in everyday life to understand MCM in Roman Numerals?
7.What are some fun ways kids in United States can practice MCM in Roman Numerals with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and MCM in Roman Numerals play in helping children in United States develop problem-solving skills?
9.How can families in United States create number-rich environments to improve MCM in Roman Numerals skills?
Important Glossaries for MCM in Roman Numerals
- Limitation Rule: There are some symbols that cannot be repeated more than once (V, L, D). For example, LVV for 60 is wrong, the correct answer is LX.
- Place value: The position of a digit in a number, this position determines its value. For example, the number 9 in 1900 is in the hundred's place.
- Subtraction Method: A method used in Roman numerals when a smaller numeral precedes a larger one, indicating subtraction. For example, IV for 4.
- Prime Number: A number that has only two factors, 1 and itself. For example, 19 is a prime number.
- Expansion Method: A technique to break down Roman numerals into their constituent parts to simplify calculations or conversions.
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Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
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.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
