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 MDCC.
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. MDCC in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., MDCC = 1700.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral MDCC, how we write them, 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 increases the value of the numeral. For example, XXX = 30.
We use the subtraction method when a smaller symbol precedes a larger 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 about how to write MDCC 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 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 MDCC,
Step 1: First we break the Roman numerals. MDCC = M + D + C + 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 + C = 1000 + 500 + 100 + 100 = 1700. Therefore, the Roman Numeral MDCC is 1700.
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 MDCC.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are M, D, and CC. 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 and CC to M and we will get MDCC. The Roman numeral D is 500 The Roman numeral CC is 200 Therefore, the numeral of MDCC is 1700.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.
Calculate the sum of MDCC + CCL. Write the answer in Roman numerals.
The sum is MMXCV.
Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal form: MDCC = 1700
CCL = 250
Now add both numbers: 1700 + 250 = 1950
Now convert the number into its Roman numeral: 1950 = 1000 (M) + 900 (CM) + 50 (L) = MMXCV
What is the difference between MMCC and MDCC? Write in Roman numerals.
The difference is D.
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal form: MMCC = 2200
MDCC = 1700
Now we subtract the numbers: 2200 - 1700 = 500
Convert the number into its Roman numeral: 500 = D
Divide MDCC by IV and write the answer in Roman numerals.
CDXXV
Convert MDCC into its decimal form: MDCC = 1700
Divide by 4: 1700 / 4 = 425
Write 425 in Roman numerals: 425 = 400 (CD) + 20 (XX) + 5 (V) = CDXXV
Find the product of MDCC and III.
MDCC is multiplied by III to get DCC.
Write MDCC and III in numbers: MDCC = 1700
III = 3
Multiply the numbers: 1700 × 3 = 5100
Convert 5100 into its Roman numerals: 5000 (V) + 100 (C) = DCC
Convert MDCC into its decimal form.
In decimal form, MDCC is 1700.
Break MDCC into components: M = 1000
D = 500
CC = 200 (C + C)
Add values: 1000 + 500 + 200 = 1700
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.