Last updated on May 26th, 2025
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 CMXV.
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. To overcome this complexity, the Roman numeric system was developed. It 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. CMXV in Roman numerals can be written in number form by applying the rules of addition and subtraction, i.e. CMXV = 915.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral CMXV, how we write it, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.
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.
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.
A symbol that is repeated up to three times in continuation increases the value of the numeral. For example, XXX = 30
We use the subtraction method when a larger symbol follows a smaller symbol. For example, XL = 40 (which is 50 – 10).
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.
Let us learn how to write CMXV in Roman numerals. There are two methods that we can use to write Roman numerals:
The breaking down of Roman numerals into parts and then converting them into numerals is what we call the expansion method. The expansion method involves breaking down 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 CMXV,
Step 1: First we break the Roman numerals. CMXV = CM + X + V
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral CM is 900 The Roman Numeral X is 10 The Roman Numeral V is 5
Step 3: Combine all the numbers CM + X + V = 900 + 10 + 5 = 915. Therefore, the Roman Numeral CMXV is 915.
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 CMXV.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are CM and XV. The numeral for CM is 900
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place.
Here we add X (10) and V (5) to CM and we will get CMXV. The Roman numeral XV is 15 Therefore, the numeral of CMXV is 915.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.
If you subtract X from CMXV, what is the result in Roman numerals?
The result is CMV
Convert CMXV and X into decimal form:
CMXV = 915
X = 10
Subtract the values: 915 - 10 = 905
Convert 905 back into Roman numerals: 900 (CM) + 5 (V) = CMV
Multiply CMXV by II and express the answer in Roman numerals.
The product is MDCCCXXX
Convert CMXV and II into decimal form:
CMXV = 915
II = 2
Multiply the numbers: 915 × 2 = 1830
Convert 1830 to Roman numerals: 1000 (M) + 800 (DCCC) + 30 (XXX) = MDCCCXXX
What is the quotient of CMXV divided by V? Give the answer in Roman numerals.
CLXXXIII
Convert CMXV and V into decimal form:
CMXV = 915
V = 5
Divide the numbers: 915 ÷ 5 = 183
Convert 183 into Roman numerals: 100 (C) + 80 (LXXX) + 3 (III) = CLXXXIII
Add CMXV and LXXXV. Write the sum in Roman numerals.
The sum is M
Convert CMXV and LXXXV into decimal form:
CMXV = 915
LXXXV = 85
Add the numbers: 915 + 85 = 1000
Convert 1000 into Roman numerals: 1000 = M
Convert CMXV into its decimal form.
In decimal form, CMXV is 915
Break CMXV into components:
CM = 900 (1000 - 100)
XV = 15 (10 + 5)
Add the values: 900 + 15 = 915
Limitation Rule: Symbols such as V, L, and D cannot be repeated more than once. For example, writing VV for 10 is wrong; the correct answer is X.
Place value: The position of a digit in a number, which determines its value. For example, the number 9 in 915 is in the hundreds place.
Prime Number: A number that has only two factors, 1 and itself. For example, 11 is a prime number.
Subtraction Method: Used in Roman numerals when a smaller numeral precedes a larger one, like IX (9), which is 10 - 1.
Addition Method: Used in Roman numerals when smaller numerals follow larger ones, like VI (6), which is 5 + 1.
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.