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 in this system. Roman numerals are often found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, the rules for writing them, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these names and wondered what the symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals. In ancient times, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As life became more complex, a standardized system was needed. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system to count. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used in this system.
In Roman numerals, we use CCCXXXVIII to represent 338, where C is 100, X is 10, and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to write a number in Roman numerals. Let’s discuss some basic rules that need to be remembered when writing numbers in Roman numerals.
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, CCCXXXVIII → C + C + C + X + X + X + V + I + I + I → 100 + 100 + 100 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 338
Rule 2: Repetition Method
To write a large number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9
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. For 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 338 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 338 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 338 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value: ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 338, we write it as 300 + 30 + 8
Step 2: Convert each component to Roman numerals:
- 300 in Roman Numerals — CCC
- 30 in Roman Numerals — XXX
- 8 in Roman Numerals — VIII
Step 3: Combine them together:
- Therefore, 338 in Roman numerals is CCC + XXX + VIII = CCCXXXVIII
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number.
To write 338 in Roman numerals, we group 338 as 300 + 30 + 8:
- 300 in Roman Numerals — CCC
- 30 in Roman Numerals — XXX
- 8 in Roman Numerals — VIII
So, 338 is written as CCCXXXVIII 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 discovers a document stating that the ancient library once had CCCXXXVIII scrolls but lost XXXVIII over time. How many scrolls remain in the library?
The number of scrolls remaining is CCC.
The problem involves subtracting the lost scrolls from the original number.
CCCXXXVIII = 338
XXXVIII = 38
338 - 38 = 300
300 in Roman numerals is CCC.
An archaeologist finds a chest containing CCCXXXVIII coins. If the coins are to be distributed equally among XXVI researchers, how many coins will each researcher receive?
Each researcher will receive XIII coins.
To find out how many coins each researcher receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of researchers.
CCCXXXVIII = 338
XXVI = 26
338 / 26 = 13
13 in Roman numerals is XIII.
Calculate the sum of CLXIX and CLXIX in Roman numerals.
The sum of CLXIX and CLXIX is CCCXXXVIII.
The sum is the result of adding two numbers.
CLXIX = 169
169 + 169 = 338
338 in Roman numerals is CCCXXXVIII.
So, the sum of CLXIX and CLXIX is CCCXXXVIII.
A puzzle requires finding the difference between CD and CCCXXXVIII. What is the result in Roman numerals?
The difference between CD and CCCXXXVIII is LXII.
The difference of two numbers is the value obtained when subtracting one number from the other.
CD = 400
CCCXXXVIII = 338
400 - 338 = 62
62 in Roman numerals is LXII.
Express the number 300 + 38 using the expansion method in Roman numerals.
The Roman numeral for 300 + 38 is CCCXXXVIII.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 300 and 38 into Roman numerals.
300 - CCC
38 - XXXVIII
Add the numbers together: 300 + 38 = 338
Using the expansion method: 338 = 300 + 38 = CCCXXXVIII.
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.