159 LearnersLast updated on May 26th, 2025
MCMVIII Roman Numerals
To meet the needs of commerce and administration, the ancient Romans developed Roman Numerals, using 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 MCMVIII.
What is MCMVIII in Roman Numerals?
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. 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. MCMVIII in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding and subtracting the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., MCMVIII = 1908.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral MCMVIII, how we write it, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.
Basic Rules for MCMVIII 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 repeated up to 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 smaller symbol precedes a larger 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 MCMVIII in Roman Numerals?
Let us learn about how to write MCMVIII in Roman numerals. There are two methods that we can use to write Roman numerals:
- By Expansion Method
- By Grouping Method
MCMVIII 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 breaks down Roman numerals into numerical form and adds them to get the final number.
Step 1: Break the Roman numerals into parts.
Step 2: Write each of the Roman numerals with its numerical digit in the place value.
Step 3: Add the numerals together.
For MCMVIII,
Step 1: First, we break the Roman numerals. MCMVIII = M + CM + V + I + I + I
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral M is 1000 The Roman Numeral CM is 900 The Roman Numeral V is 5 The Roman Numeral I is 1
Step 3: Combine all the numbers M + CM + V + I + I + I = 1000 + 900 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 1908. Therefore, the Roman Numeral MCMVIII is 1908.
MCMVIII 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, making 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 MCMVIII.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are M, CM, and VIII. The numeral for M is 1000. The numeral for CM is 900. The numeral for VIII is 8.
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place. Here we add CM and VIII to M, and we will get MCMVIII. Therefore, the numeral of MCMVIII is 1908.
Numbers Related to MCMVIII 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 MCMVIII:
| Roman Numeral | Number | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| M | 1000 | M |
| MC | 1100 | M + C |
| MCC | 1200 | M + C + C |
| MCCC | 1300 | M + C + C + C |
| MCD | 1400 | M + CD |
| MD | 1500 | M + D |
| MDC | 1600 | M + D + C |
| MDCC | 1700 | M + D + C + C |
| MDCCC | 1800 | M + D + C + C + C |
| MCM | 1900 | M + CM |
| MCMI | 1901 | M + CM + I |
| MCMII | 1902 | M + CM + I + I |
| MCMIII | 1903 | M + CM + I + I + I |
| MCMIV | 1904 | M + CM + IV |
| MCMV | 1905 | M + CM + V |
| MCMVI | 1906 | M + CM + V + I |
| MCMVII | 1907 | M + CM + V + I + I |
| MCMVIII | 1908 | M + CM + V + I + I + I |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in MCMVIII 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.
Mistake 2
Not subtracting the numerals correctly
The subtraction method is used when a smaller symbol precedes a larger symbol. One should also remember that only specific symbols can be subtracted, like I and X.
For example, IC instead of XCIX for the number 99.
Mistake 3
Not grouping the numbers correctly
When writing Roman numerals, we need to group the numbers correctly.
For example, the number 1908, 1000(M) + 900(CM) + 8(VIII).
Mistake 4
Confusing similar-looking symbols for other numbers
Certain numerals have different numbers when placed in a different order. So we must make sure to fully understand the order of certain symbols and their placements. All symbols have to be placed in a different order to represent the correct number.
For example, IV(4) and VI(6) have the same symbols but are in different orders.
Mistake 5
Not counting all numbers when writing in Roman numerals
Forgetting to count all numbers, when doing the expansion method or grouping method, can lead to mistakes.
For example, writing MCM (1900) and forgetting VIII (8) for 1908. Recheck steps once done during any arithmetic operation.
MCMVIII Roman Numerals Examples
Problem 1
Find the year difference between MCMVIII and MMXXIII. Write the difference in Roman numerals.
The difference is CXV
Explanation
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal forms:
MCMVIII = 1908
MMXXIII = 2023
Now subtract the years: 2023 - 1908 = 115
Convert 115 into Roman numerals: 100 (C) + 10 (X) + 5 (V) = CXV
Problem 2
If a historical event took place in the year MCMVIII and lasted for XL years, in what year did it end? Write the ending year in Roman numerals.
The ending year is MCMXLVIII
Explanation
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal forms:
MCMVIII = 1908
XL = 40
Add the duration to the starting year: 1908 + 40 = 1948
Convert 1948 into Roman numerals: 1000 (M) + 900 (CM) + 40 (XL) + 8 (VIII) = MCMXLVIII
Problem 3
Divide the number of years from MCMVIII to MMVIII by II and write the result in Roman numerals.
The result is CDL
Explanation
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal forms:
MCMVIII = 1908
MMVIII = 2008
Calculate the number of years between them: 2008 - 1908 = 100
Divide by 2: 100 / 2 = 50 Convert 50 into Roman numerals: 50 = L
Problem 4
Find the product of the digits in the year MCMVIII. Write the product in Roman numerals.
The product is XXIV
Explanation
The year MCMVIII (1908) can be broken into its digits: 1, 9, 0, and 8. Multiply the digits (ignoring zero): 1 × 9 × 8 = 72 Convert 72 into Roman numerals: 70 (LXX) + 2 (II) = LXXII
Problem 5
Convert the year MCMVIII into its decimal form.
In decimal form, MCMVIII is 1908
Explanation
Break MCMVIII into components:
M = 1000
CM = 900 (1000 - 100)
VIII = 8 (5 + 1 + 1 + 1)
Add values: 1000 + 900 + 8 = 1908
FAQs on MCMVIII in Roman Numerals
1.What is MCM in Roman numerals?
2.Is MCMVIII a prime number?
3.What is MCMVIII + MCMVIII?
4.What is MMVIII?
5.Subtract VIII from MCMVIII
6.How can children in United States use numbers in everyday life to understand MCMVIII Roman Numerals?
7.What are some fun ways kids in United States can practice MCMVIII Roman Numerals with numbers?
8.What role do numbers and MCMVIII 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 MCMVIII Roman Numerals skills?
Important Glossaries for MCMVIII 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 determines its value. For example, the number 9 in 1908 is in the hundred's place.
- Subtraction Method: A method where a smaller numeral precedes a larger one to indicate subtraction. For example, CM for 900.
- Expansion Method: Breaking down Roman numerals into parts and converting into numerical values.
- Grouping Method: Organizing Roman numerals into smaller groups for easier calculation.
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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.
