Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are the 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.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are the Roman Numerals.
Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count earlier. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans used the Roman Numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use to count.
In Roman Numerals, we use CLXXVIII to represent 178; here C is 100, L is 50, XX is 20, V is 5, and III is 3. 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.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, CLXXVIII → C + L + XX + V + III → 100 + 50 + 20 + 5 + 3 = 178.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a large number, there are certain Roman Numerals that can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a small number precedes a large number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
The symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X, and for 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 178 in Roman Numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman Numerals.
In the expansion method, based on the place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 178 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 178 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: The number is broken down based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 178, we write it as 100 + 50 + 20 + 5 + 3.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals:
100 in Roman Numeral — C
50 in Roman Numeral — L
20 in Roman Numeral — XX
5 in Roman Numeral — V
3 in Roman Numeral — III
Step 3: Combining them together:
Therefore, 178 in Roman Numerals is C (100) + L (50) + XX (20) + V (5) + III (3) = CLXXVIII.
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number.
To write 178 in Roman Numerals, we group 178 as 100 + 50 + 20 + 5 + 3:
100 in Roman Numeral — C
50 in Roman Numeral — L
20 in Roman Numeral — XX
5 in Roman Numeral — V
3 in Roman Numeral — III
So, 178 is written as CLXXVIII in Roman Numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing a number in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian is cataloging coins and finds that a collection contains CLXXVIII ancient coins. If she wants to distribute them equally among VI different museums, how many coins will each museum receive?
Each museum will receive XXIX coins.
To find the number of coins each museum receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of museums.
CLXXVIII = 178
VI = 6
Therefore, 178 / 6 = 29
29 in Roman numerals is XXIX.
An architect is designing a decorative pattern that consists of CLXXVIII tiles. If each row of the pattern requires XXVI tiles, how many complete rows can be created?
The number of complete rows that can be created is VI.
To find the number of complete rows, divide the total number of tiles by the number of tiles per row.
CLXXVIII = 178
XXVI = 26
178 / 26 = 6 with a remainder
6 in Roman numerals is VI.
Find the sum of LXXX and XCVIII. Express the result in Roman numerals.
The sum of LXXX and XCVIII is CLXXVIII.
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
LXXX = 80
XCVIII = 98
80 + 98 = 178
178 in Roman numerals is CLXXVIII.
A collection of ancient manuscripts is valued at CCXL gold coins. After accounting for damage, the value decreases by LXII coins. What is the new value of the manuscripts in Roman numerals?
The new value of the manuscripts is CLXXVIII.
The new value is found by subtracting the decrease from the original value.
CCXL = 240
LXII = 62
240 - 62 = 178
178 in Roman numerals is CLXXVIII.
Write the Roman numeral for 100 + 78 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 100 + 78 is CLXXVIII.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 100 and 78 into Roman numerals:
100 = C
78 = LXXVIII
Combine the Roman numerals: C + LXXVIII = CLXXVIII
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.