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 seen in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals for representation. You might have noticed these symbols and wondered what they signify. These are the 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 in this system.
In Roman numerals, we use CCCXCV to represent 395, where CCC is 300, XC is 90, and V is 5. 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 a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, XV → X + V → 10 + 5 = 15.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to form larger numbers. For example, CCC → 300.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, we subtract the smaller number. For example, XC → C - X → 100 - 10 = 90.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For instance, we use X for 10, not VV.
Let’s now learn how to write 395 in Roman numerals using different methods.
The expansion method involves breaking down the number based on place value. Let’s break down 395 and convert it into Roman numerals.
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: 300 + 90 + 5
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
300 in Roman numerals is CCC
90 in Roman numerals is XC
5 in Roman numerals is V
Step 3: Combine them: CCC + XC + V = CCCXCV
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers.
To write 395 in Roman numerals, we group it as 300 + 90 + 5:
300 in Roman numerals is CCC
90 in Roman numerals is XC
5 in Roman numerals is V
Thus, 395 is written as CCCXCV in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master this system, learn common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian is analyzing ancient Roman coins marked with CCCL and XLV. Determine the total value of the coins combined.
The total value of the coins is CCCXCV.
CCCL represents 350 and XLV represents 45. Adding these together gives 350 + 45 = 395. Thus, 395 in Roman numerals is CCCXCV.
An engineer is designing a building with CCCXCV floors and wants to divide them equally among V sections. Find out how many floors each section will have.
Each section will have LXXIX floors.
To find the number of floors per section, divide the total number of floors by the number of sections: CCCXCV / V. CCCXCV is 395 and V is 5. Therefore, 395 / 5 = 79. In Roman numerals, 79 is LXXIX.
A library has CCCXCV ancient manuscripts and wants to display them evenly across XIII shelves. Determine how many manuscripts will be on each shelf.
Each shelf will have XXXIV manuscripts.
Divide the total number of manuscripts by the number of shelves: CCCXCV / XIII. CCCXCV is 395 and XIII is 13. 395 / 13 = 34. In Roman numerals, 34 is XXXIV.
A historian found two sets of ancient documents, one labeled CCLX and the other labeled CXXXV. Calculate the combined total of these documents.
The combined total of the documents is CCCXCV.
CCLX is 260 and CXXXV is 135. Adding these gives 260 + 135 = 395. In Roman numerals, 395 is CCCXCV.
A puzzle consists of CCCXCV pieces, and a student has already assembled CCXLII pieces. Determine how many pieces remain to be assembled.
There are CLIII pieces remaining.
Subtract the assembled pieces from the total: CCCXCV CCXLII. CCCXCV is 395 and CCXLII is 242. 395 242 = 153. In Roman numerals, 153 is CLIII.
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.