Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols used in Roman numerals are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman Numerals are often used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. In this text, we'll discuss Roman Numerals, rules, and examples related to the topic.
Roman numerals are prevalent in royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on. You might have noticed these symbols (I and II) and wondered what they represent. Those are Roman Numerals.\
In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc., and when life became more complex, a standardized numeral system was required. Ancient Romans used the Roman Numeral system to count. The symbols used are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman Numerals, we use CLXIX to represent 169, where C is 100, L is 50, X is 10, and IX is 9. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to write numbers in Roman Numerals. Let's discuss some rules that need to be remembered when writing numbers in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
When a smaller number is placed after a larger number, the values are added. For example, CLX → C + L + X → 100 + 50 + 10 = 160.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times to represent numbers. For instance, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
When a smaller number precedes a larger number, it is subtracted from the larger number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times in succession, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we don't write VV for 10; instead, we use X, and for 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 169 in Roman Numerals using different methods.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. To write 169 in Roman Numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 169, we write it as 100 + 50 + 10 + 9.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman Numerals:
100 in Roman Numerals — C
50 in Roman Numerals — L
10 in Roman Numerals — X
9 in Roman Numerals — IX
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together.
Therefore, 169 in Roman Numerals is C (100) + L (50) + X (10) + IX (9) = CLXIX.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the numbers. To write 169 in Roman Numerals, we group 169 as 100 + 50 + 10 + 9.
100 in Roman Numerals — C
50 in Roman Numerals — L
10 in Roman Numerals — X
9 in Roman Numerals — IX
So, 169 is written as CLXIX in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. Here are some common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian finds CLXIX ancient coins divided into XIII hidden compartments. Determine the number of coins in each compartment.
The number of coins in each compartment is XIII.
To find the number of coins per compartment, we divide the total number of coins by the number of compartments.
CLXIX = 169
XIII = 13
Therefore, CLXIX / XIII = 169 / 13 = 13.
13 in Roman numerals is XIII.
An archaeologist discovers two artifacts dated at LXXXIV and LXXXV years old. Find the total age of the artifacts in Roman numerals.
The total age of the artifacts is CLXIX.
The total age is calculated by adding the ages of the two artifacts.
LXXXIV = 84
LXXXV = 85
84 + 85 = 169
169 in Roman numerals is CLXIX.
A collector has CLXIX stamps and wants to distribute them equally among four friends. How many stamps will each friend receive?
Each friend will receive XLII stamps.
To find the number of stamps each friend receives, divide the total number of stamps by the number of friends.
CLXIX = 169
4 friends
169 / 4 = 42.25
Each friend receives 42 stamps (without fractions).
42 in Roman numerals is XLII.
A museum exhibit features a timeline that includes an event occurring in the year CLXIX AD. How many years ago was this event from the year MMXXIII AD?
The event occurred MDCCCLIV years ago.
To find how many years ago the event occurred, subtract the event year from the current year.
MMXXIII = 2023
CLXIX = 169
2023 - 169 = 1854
1854 in Roman numerals is MDCCCLIV.
A mathematician writes an equation where the sum of LXXVIII and XCI equals a certain number. Identify this number in Roman numerals.
The sum of LXXVIII and XCI is CLXIX.
The sum is the result of adding two numbers.
LXXVIII = 78
XCI = 91
78 + 91 = 169
169 in Roman numerals is CLXIX.
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.