Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman Numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman Numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I and Henry II, use Roman Numerals. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman Numerals. Earlier, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count.
Ancient Romans developed the Roman Numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used for counting. In Roman Numerals, we use DCCXL to represent 740, where D is 500, CC is 200, and XL is 40.
Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to write a number in Roman Numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some basic rules that need to be remembered when writing a number in Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, DCCXL → D + CC + XL → 500 + 200 + 40 = 740.
To write a large number, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated three times. For example, CCC → 300.
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, XL → L - X → 50 - 10 = 40.
The symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we don't write DDD for 1500; instead, we use MD.
Let’s now learn how to write 740 in Roman Numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman Numerals.
In the expansion method, based on place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 740 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 740 in Roman Numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value. Place value includes ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 740, we write it as 700 + 40.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman Numerals.
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 740 in Roman Numerals is DCC (700) + XL (40) = DCCXL.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 740 in Roman Numerals, we group 740 as 700 + 40.
So, 740 is written as DCCXL in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
Calculate the sum of DCCXL and XL.
The sum of DCCXL and XL is DCCLXXX.
DCCXL is 740 and XL is 40. Adding these two gives 740 + 40 = 780. 780 in Roman Numerals is written as DCCLXXX.
A historian is cataloging DCCXL ancient artifacts into LXXX collections. How many artifacts will each collection have?
Each collection will have IX artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts per collection, divide the total artifacts by the number of collections: DCCXL / LXXX. DCCXL = 740 and LXXX = 80. Therefore, 740 / 80 = 9. 9 in Roman Numerals is IX.
If a sculpture weighs DCCXL grams and a smaller piece weighs CC grams, what is their combined weight?
The combined weight is CMXL.
DCCXL = 740 grams and CC = 200 grams. Adding these together, 740 + 200 = 940. 940 in Roman Numerals is CMXL.
A treasure chest contains DCCXL gold coins. If a pirate takes DCC coins, how many coins are left?
The number of coins left is XL.
DCCXL = 740 and DCC = 700. Subtracting these gives 740 - 700 = 40. 40 in Roman Numerals is XL.
Convert 500 + 240 to Roman Numerals using the expansion method.
The Roman Numeral for 500 + 240 is DCCXL.
First, convert the numbers 500 and 240 into Roman numerals: 500 = D and 240 = CCXL. Adding these gives 500 + 240 = 740. Using the expansion method, 740 = 700 + 40 = DCCXL.
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.