Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used. Roman Numerals are often seen in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman Numerals, the rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman Numerals. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I, II) represent? They are Roman Numerals.
In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed. Ancient Romans developed the Roman Numeral system. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used.
In Roman Numerals, we use CLXXIX to represent 179, where C is 100, L is 50, XX is 20, and IX is 9. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
There are basic rules for writing a number in Roman Numerals. Let's discuss some key rules that need to be remembered.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, CLXX → C + L + X + X → 100 + 50 + 10 + 10 = 170
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number appears before a larger number, subtract the smaller number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times. Certain symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, 10 is X, not VV.
Let’s now learn how to write 179 in Roman Numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman Numerals.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value.
Step 1: Break down the number by place value: hundreds, tens, ones.
For 179, write it as 100 + 50 + 20 + 9.
Step 2: Convert into Roman Numerals:
100 in Roman Numerals — C
50 in Roman Numerals — L
20 in Roman Numerals — XX
9 in Roman Numerals — IX
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals:
Therefore, 179 in Roman Numerals is C (100) + L (50) + XX (20) + IX (9) = CLXXIX.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, group the numbers.
To write 179 in Roman Numerals, group it as 100 + 50 + 20 + 9:
100 in Roman Numerals — C
50 in Roman Numerals — L
20 in Roman Numerals — XX
9 in Roman Numerals — IX
Thus, 179 is written as CLXXIX in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. Here are a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian uncovers CLXXIX ancient coins and wants to distribute them equally among IX museums. How many coins does each museum receive?
Each museum receives XIX coins.
To find the number of coins each museum gets, divide the total number of coins by the number of museums:
CLXXIX = 179
IX = 9
179 / 9 = 19
19 in Roman numerals is XIX.
Calculate the result of adding CLXXIX and XXI.
The sum of CLXXIX and XXI is CC.
CLXXIX = 179
XXI = 21
179 + 21 = 200
200 in Roman numerals is CC.
A sculptor carved CCXLIX figures for an exhibition, and CLXX of them were sold. How many figures remain?
LXXIX figures remain.
CCXLIX = 249
CLXX = 170
249 - 170 = 79
79 in Roman numerals is LXXIX.
A scholar is translating an ancient manuscript where a page mentions two Roman numerals: C and LXXIX. What is their combined value?
The combined value of C and LXXIX is CLXXIX.
C = 100
LXXIX = 79
100 + 79 = 179
179 in Roman numerals is CLXXIX.
Convert the sum of 73 and 106 into Roman numerals using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 73 + 106 is CLXXIX.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 73 and 106 into Roman numerals
73 - LXXIII
106 - CVI
Add the numbers together: 73 + 106 = 179
Using the expansion method: 179 = 100 + 70 + 9 = CLXXIX.
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.