Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using specific symbols, such as I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are often used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
You might have seen Roman numerals used in various contexts like royal titles (e.g., Henry I, Henry II) and wondered what the symbols represent. Roman numerals are an ancient counting system. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) form the basis of this system.
In Roman Numerals, we use CCCLXV to represent 365. Here, CCC is 300, LX is 60, and V is 5. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to write numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss these rules:
Rule 1: Addition Method
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number, indicating addition. For example, LX → L + X → 50 + 10 = 60.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to represent large numbers. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, the smaller number is subtracted from the larger number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
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 write 10 as X, not VV.
Let's learn how to write 365 in Roman numerals using different methods:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 365 in Roman numerals:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value: 300 + 60 + 5.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
- 300 in Roman numerals is CCC.
- 60 in Roman numerals is LX.
- 5 in Roman numerals is V.
Step 3: Combine them: CCC + LX + V = CCCLXV.
When writing a large number, we group the parts. For 365, group as 300 + 60 + 5:
- 300 in Roman numerals is CCC.
- 60 in Roman numerals is LX.
- 5 in Roman numerals is V.
So, 365 is written as CCCLXV in Roman numerals.
Here are some common mistakes students make when writing Roman numerals and how to avoid them:
A group of archaeologists found CCCLXV ancient coins during their excavation. If they decide to distribute the coins equally among V archaeologists, how many coins does each archaeologist receive?
Each archaeologist receives LXXIII coins..
To find out how many coins each archaeologist receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of archaeologists.
CCCLXV = 365
V = 5
365 / 5 = 73
73 in Roman numerals is LXXIII.
An event planner needs to arrange CCCLXV chairs in rows of XIII chairs each. How many complete rows can be formed?
The number of complete rows that can be formed is XXVIII.
To determine the number of complete rows, divide the total number of chairs by the number of chairs per row.
CCCLXV = 365
XIII = 13
365 / 13 = 28
28 in Roman numerals is XXVIII.
A historian is studying a manuscript that mentions the construction of a building in the year MDCCCLXXV. How many years ago was that from the year represented by CCCLXV?
The construction was 1510 years ago.
First, convert the years into Arabic numerals and then find the difference.
MDCCCLXXV = 1875
CCCLXV = 365
1875 - 365 = 1510
1510 years ago is the difference.
In a game, a player collects points throughout the year and ends with a total of CCCLXV points. If they had started with CL points, how many points did they earn during the year?
The player earned CCXV points during the year.
To find the points earned during the year, subtract the starting points from the total points.
CCCLXV = 365
CL = 150
365 - 150 = 215
215 in Roman numerals is CCXV.
Write the Roman numeral for the sum of 123 and 242 using the grouping method.
The Roman numeral for the sum is CCCLXV.
Step 1: Convert 123 and 242 into Roman numerals.
123 = CXXIII
242 = CCXLII
Step 2: Add the numbers together: 123 + 242 = 365
365 in Roman numerals is CCCLXV.
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.