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.
The 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 and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals. Earlier, people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. 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 CCXXXII to represent 232, where CC is 200, XXX is 30, and II is 2. 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, XXXII → XXX + II → 30 + 2 = 32
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a large number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated three times. CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, XC → C X → 100 10 = 90
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 232 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 232 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 232 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place values include ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 232, we write it as 200 + 30 + 2.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman numerals:
200 in Roman numerals — CC
30 in Roman numerals — XXX
2 in Roman numerals — II
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 232 in Roman numerals is CC (200) + XXX (30) + II (2) = CCXXXII
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 232 in Roman numerals, we group 232 as 200 + 30 + 2:
200 in Roman numerals — CC
30 in Roman numerals — XXX
2 in Roman numerals — II
So, 232 is written as CCXXXII 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 has CCXXXII ancient artifacts and wants to distribute them equally among VIII museums. How many artifacts will each museum receive?
Each museum will receive XXIX artifacts.
Divide the total number of artifacts by the number of museums:
CCXXXII / VIII
CCXXXII = 232
VIII = 8
232 / 8 = 29
29 in Roman numerals can be written as XXIX.
Find the sum of CLIII and LXXIX.
The sum of CLIII and LXXIX is CCXXXII.
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
CLIII = 153
LXXIX = 79
153 + 79 = 232
232 in Roman numerals is CCXXXII.
A craftsman has to cut a wooden beam of length CCCXL cm into sections that are each XXIX cm long. How many full sections can he cut?
The craftsman can cut XI full sections.
To find the number of full sections:
CCCXL / XXIX
CCCXL = 340
XXIX = 29
340 / 29 = 11
11 in Roman numerals can be written as XI.
What is the difference between CCL and XVIII?
The difference between CCL and XVIII is CCXXXII.
The difference of two numbers is the value we get when subtracting one number from the other:
CCL = 250
XVIII = 18
250 18 = 232
232 in Roman numerals can be written as CCXXXII.
Write the Roman Numeral for 150 + 82 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 150 + 82 is CCXXXII.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 150 and 82 into Roman numerals:
150 CL
82 LXXXII
Add the numbers together: 150 + 82 = 232
Using expansion method: 232 = 200 + 30 + 2 = CCXXXII.
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.