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Last updated on May 26th, 2025

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MDC in Roman Numerals

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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 MDC.

MDC in Roman Numerals for US Students
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What is MDC 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. MDC in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., MDC = 1600.

 

Let us learn more about the Roman numeral MDC, how we write them, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.

mdc roman numerals

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Basic Rules for MDC 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 XV, we have 10+5=15.

 

Rule 2: Repetition Method:

A symbol that is repeated three times in continuation increases the value of the numeral. For example, CCC=300.

 

Rule 3: Subtraction Method:

We use the subtraction method when a larger symbol follows a smaller symbol. For example, IX=9 (which is 10–1).

 

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, 100 is represented as C and not LL.

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How to Write MDC in Roman Numerals?

Let us learn about how to write MDC in Roman numerals. There are two methods that we can use to write Roman numerals:

 

  • By Expansion Method
  • By Grouping Method
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MDC 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 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 the numerals together. For MDC,

 

Step 1: First we break the Roman numerals. MDC = M + D + C

 

Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral M is 1000 The Roman Numeral D is 500 The Roman Numeral C is 100

 

Step 3: Combine all the numbers M + D + C = 1000+500+100=1600. Therefore, the Roman Numeral MDC is 1600.

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MDC 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 MDC.

 

Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are M, D, and C. 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 add D (500) and C (100) to M and we will get MDC. Therefore, the numeral of MDC is 1600.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in MDC Roman Numerals

Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.

 

Number Roman Numeral Breakdown
1600 MDC 1000 + 500 + 100 = 1600
1601 MDCI 1000 + 500 + 100 + 1 = 1601
1602 MDCII 1000 + 500 + 100 + 2 = 1602
1603 MDCIII 1000 + 500 + 100 + 3 = 1603
1604 MDCIV 1000 + 500 + 100 + 4 = 1604
1605 MDCV 1000 + 500 + 100 + 5 = 1605
1606 MDCVI 1000 + 500 + 100 + 6 = 1606
1607 MDCVII 1000 + 500 + 100 + 7 = 1607
1608 MDCVIII 1000 + 500 + 100 + 8 = 1608
1609 MDCIX 1000 + 500 + 100 + 9 = 1609

Mistake 1

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Mistakes when applying the repetition method

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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 DDD as 1500 is incorrect, the correct answer is MD.

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mdc roman numerals Examples

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Problem 1

If you combine MDC with CL, what is the total in Roman numerals?

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The total is MDCCL

Explanation

Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal form: MDC = 1600

CL = 150

Now add both numbers: 1600 + 150 = 1750

Now convert the number into its Roman numeral: 1750 = 1000 (M) + 500 (D) + 200 (CC) + 50 (L) = MDCCL

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Problem 2

What is the result of subtracting CXX from MDC? Write your answer in Roman numerals.

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The result is MCCCLXXX

Explanation

Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal form: MDC = 1600

CXX = 120

Now subtract the numbers: 1600 - 120 = 1480

Convert the number into its Roman numeral: 1480 = 1000 (M) + 400 (CD) + 80 (LXXX) = MCCCLXXX

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Problem 3

Divide MDC by VIII and write the answer in Roman numerals.

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CC

Explanation

Convert MDC into its decimal form: MDC = 1600

Divide by 8: 1600 / 8 = 200

Write 200 in Roman numerals: 200 = 100 (C) + 100 (C) = CC

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Problem 4

Find the product of MDC and II.

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MMMCC is the product of MDC and II.

Explanation

Write MDC and II in numbers: MDC = 1600

II = 2

Multiply the numbers: 1600 × 2 = 3200

Convert 3200 into its Roman numerals: 3000 (MMM) + 200 (CC) = MMMCC

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Problem 5

Convert MDC into its decimal form.

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In decimal form, MDC is 1600

Explanation

Break MDC into components: M = 1000

D = 500

C = 100

Add values: 1000 + 500 + 100 = 1600

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FAQs on MDC in Roman Numerals

1.What is D in Roman numerals?

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2.Is MDC a composite number?

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3.What is MDC + MDC?

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4.What is MM?

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5.Subtract CCC from MDC

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6.How can children in United States use numbers in everyday life to understand MDC in Roman Numerals?

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7.What are some fun ways kids in United States can practice MDC in Roman Numerals with numbers?

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8.What role do numbers and MDC in Roman Numerals play in helping children in United States develop problem-solving skills?

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9.How can families in United States create number-rich environments to improve MDC in Roman Numerals skills?

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Professor Greenline from BrightChamps

Important Glossaries for MDC in Roman Numerals

  • Roman Numerals: A numeric system used in ancient Rome, employing combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet (I, V, X, L, C, D, M).

 

  • Addition Method: A technique in Roman numerals where smaller numerals following larger ones are added to the total.

 

  • Subtraction Method: A technique where a smaller numeral before a larger numeral is subtracted from the total.

 

  • Composite Number: A number that has more than two factors. For example, 1600 is a composite number.

 

  • Place Value: The numerical value that a digit has by virtue of its position in a number. For example, in the number 1600, the 6 represents 600.
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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.

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Fun Fact

: She loves to read number jokes and games.

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