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 found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry II, Henry III, 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 form was required for counting. Ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system for this purpose. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used for counting.
In Roman numerals, we use CCXXXIX to represent 239, where C is 100, X is 10, and IX is 9. 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 need to be remembered when writing a number in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, CCXXXIX → C + C + X + X + IX → 100 + 100 + 10 + 10 + 9 = 239.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write larger numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number is placed before a larger number, we subtract the smaller from the larger. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we don't write VV for 10; instead, we use X. We also write VIII, not IIIIIIII, for 8.
Let’s now learn how to write 239 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
n the expansion method, the number is broken down based on its place value. In this section, we will learn how to write 239 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 239 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
239 is written as 200 + 30 + 9.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
200 in Roman numerals — CC
30 in Roman numerals — XXX
9 in Roman numerals — IX
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 239 in Roman numerals is CC + XXX + IX = CCXXXIX.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers.
To write 239 in Roman numerals, we group 239 as 200 + 30 + 9.
200 in Roman numerals — CC
30 in Roman numerals — XXX
9 in Roman numerals — IX
So, 239 is written as CCXXXIX in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian discovered CCXXXIX ancient coins and wants to distribute them equally among XIII museums. How many coins will each museum receive?
Each museum will receive XVIII coins.
To find the number of coins each museum receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of museums.
CCXXXIX = 239
XIII = 13
239 ÷ 13 = 18
18 in Roman numerals is XVIII.
An archaeologist found a scroll mentioning a battle involving CCXXXIX soldiers and another with CCXLVII soldiers. What was the total number of soldiers mentioned?
The total number of soldiers is CDLXXXVI.
Sum the number of soldiers from both battles.
CCXXXIX = 239
CCXLVII = 247
239 + 247 = 486
486 in Roman numerals is CDLXXXVI.
A researcher needs to subtract the number of CCX artifacts from CCXXXIX artifacts. What is the remaining count of artifacts?
The remaining count of artifacts is XXIX.
Subtraction involves finding the difference between two numbers.
CCXXXIX = 239
CCX = 210
239 - 210 = 29
29 in Roman numerals is XXIX.
Express the sum of 239 and 50 using Roman numerals and the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 239 + 50 is CCXC.
Step 1: Convert the numbers to Roman numerals.
239 - CCXXXIX
50 - L
Add the numbers together: 239 + 50 = 289
Using the expansion method: 289 = 200 + 80 + 9 = CC + LXXX + IX = CCXC.
A library catalog lists CCXXXIX historical manuscripts and decides to add XX more. What is the new total in Roman numerals?
The new total of manuscripts is CCLIX.
Add the numbers together.
CCXXXIX = 239
XX = 20
239 + 20 = 259
259 in Roman numerals is CCLIX.
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.