Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using specific symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used to represent numbers. Roman numerals appear in contexts such as royal titles, book names, and sequences. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, etc., often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent?
Those are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, and bones to count. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed for counting. The Romans developed the Roman numeral system to meet this need. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) were used.
In Roman numerals, we use CCCVIII to represent 308, where CCC is 300, V is 5, and III is 3. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
There are certain basic rules to write 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.
When a smaller number is placed after a larger number, the addition method is used. For example, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to form larger numbers. For example, CCC → 300.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, the subtraction method is used. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9
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.
Let’s learn how to write 308 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, a number is broken down based on place value. Here's how to write 308 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones.
For 308, we write it as 300 + 8.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman numerals:
300 in Roman numerals — CCC
8 in Roman numerals — VIII
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals.
Therefore, 308 in Roman numerals is CCC (300) + VIII (8) = CCCVIII.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number.
To write 308 in Roman numerals, we group it as 300 + 8:
300 in Roman numerals — CCC
8 in Roman numerals — VIII
So, 308 is written as CCCVIII in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, you can learn from a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian is categorizing CCCVIII ancient artifacts into IV different sections. How many artifacts will be in each section?
Each section will have LXXVII artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts per section, divide the total number by the number of sections.
That is CCCVIII / IV
CCCVIII = 308
IV = 4
Therefore, CCCVIII / IV = 308 / 4 = 77.
77 in Roman numerals can be written as LXXVII.
Find the sum of CCLX and XLVIII.
The sum of CCLX and XLVIII is CCCVIII.
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
CCLX = 260
XLVIII = 48
260 + 48 = 308
308 in Roman Numerals is CCCVIII.
The sum of CCLX and XLVIII is CCCVIII.
A treasure map indicates that there are CCCVIII paces to the north and LXXVII paces to the east. Calculate the total paces required to reach the treasure.
The total paces required are CCCLXXXV.
Add the number of paces in each direction to find the total.
CCCVIII = 308
LXXVII = 77
308 + 77 = 385
385 in Roman Numerals is CCCLXXXV.
What is the difference between CCCX and CCII?
The difference between CCCX and CCII is CVIII.
The difference of two numbers is the value we get when subtracting one number from the other.
CCCX = 310
CCII = 202
310 - 202 = 108
108 in Roman Numerals can be written as CVIII.
Write the Roman Numeral for 150 + 158 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 150 + 158 is CCCVIII.
Step 1: First convert the numbers 150 and 158 into Roman numerals.
150 - CL
158 - CLVIII
Add the numbers together: 150 + 158 = 308
Using expansion method: 308 = 300 + 8 = CCC + VIII = CCCVIII.
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.