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 more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles like Henry I, Henry II, and so on, often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent? They are Roman numerals.
In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard system was needed. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used in this system.
To represent 1974 in Roman numerals, we use MCMLXXIV. Let's learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. In this section, let's discuss some basic rules that must be remembered.
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to represent a number. For example, III → 3.
When a smaller number precedes a larger number, we use the subtraction method. For example, XL → L - X → 50 - 10 = 40
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. Similarly, 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let's learn how to write 1974 in Roman numerals using these methods:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on its place value. Here's how to write 1974 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: 1000 + 900 + 70 + 4
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine these Roman numerals: Therefore, 1974 in Roman numerals is M(1000) + CM(900) + LXX(70) + IV(4) = MCMLXXIV
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 1974 in Roman numerals, we group 1974 as 1000 + 900 + 70 + 4
So, 1974 is written as MCMLXXIV in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's look at some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
A historian finds a document dated MCMLXXIV that mentions a time capsule to be opened after 50 years. In which year should it be opened?
The time capsule should be opened in the year 2024.
MCMLXXIV represents the year 1974.
Adding 50 years to 1974 results in 2024.
Therefore, the time capsule should be opened in the year 2024.
An antique collector bought a coin marked MCMLXXIV and wants to determine its age in 2023. How old is the coin?
The coin is 49 years old.
MCMLXXIV is the Roman numeral for 1974.
To find the age of the coin in 2023, subtract 1974 from 2023, which gives 49.
Thus, the coin is 49 years old.
A library has a special section for books published in MCMLXXIV. If they acquired M books in that year, and each book costs L dollars, what is the total cost of the books?
The total cost of the books is ML dollars.
MCMLXXIV stands for 1974.
To find the total cost, multiply the number of books, M, by the cost per book, L dollars.
Hence, the total cost is ML dollars.
A film festival is celebrating movies from the year MCMLXXIV. If they are screening XXXV movies, and each screening lasts XC minutes, what is the total duration of all the screenings?
The total duration of all the screenings is 3150 minutes.
MCMLXXIV represents the year 1974.
XXXV is 35 and XC is 90 in Roman numerals.
Multiplying 35 movies by 90 minutes each gives a total of 3150 minutes for all the screenings.
A vintage car show features cars manufactured in MCMLXXIV. If there are XX cars, and each car is valued at XXV thousand dollars, what is the total value of the cars?
The total value of the cars is D thousand dollars.
MCMLXXIV stands for 1974.
XX is 20 and XXV is 25 in Roman numerals.
The total value is calculated by multiplying 20 cars by 25 thousand dollars each, resulting in a total value of 500 thousand dollars, which is D in Roman numerals.
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.