Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of numerical notation used in ancient Rome, which employs combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used to represent different values. Roman Numerals are commonly seen in various contexts such as royal titles, books, and sequences. Here we will discuss Roman Numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles like Henry I, Henry II, and others use Roman Numerals. Perhaps you've noticed these symbols (I, II) and wondered about their meaning. They are Roman Numerals.
In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, and bones. As civilization advanced, a standard numeral system became necessary. The ancient Romans developed their numeral system using symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman Numerals, we use CDXXXII to represent 432, where CD is 400, XXX is 30, and II is 2. Let’s explore Roman numerals further and learn how to write them.
Certain rules guide the writing of numbers in Roman Numerals. Here, we discuss basic rules necessary for writing numbers in Roman numerals.
When a smaller numeral is placed after a larger numeral, their values are added. For example, XXXII → XXX + II → 30 + 2 = 32.
Some Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times for larger numbers. For example, XXX → 30.
When a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, the smaller value is subtracted from the larger one. For example, XL → L - X → 50 - 10 = 40.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and certain symbols like V, L, and D should not be repeated. For example, we use XL instead of XXXX for 40.
Let’s learn how to write 432 in Roman Numerals using these methods:
In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on place value. This section teaches you how to write 432 in Roman numerals using this method. To write 432 in Roman Numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.). For 432, we write it as 400 + 30 + 2.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman Numerals:
400 in Roman Numeral - CD
30 in Roman Numeral - XXX
2 in Roman Numeral - II
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals. Therefore, 432 in Roman Numeral is CD (400) + XXX (30) + II (2) = CDXXXII.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, grouping is helpful. To write 432 in Roman Numerals, we group 432 as 400 + 30 + 2.
Thus, 432 is written as CDXXXII in Roman Numerals.
Mistakes occur when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. By understanding common errors, students can master Roman Numerals.
A historian finds a document dated CDXXXII years ago. How many centuries and decades ago was that?
The document was dated 4 centuries and 3 decades ago.
CDXXXII in Roman numerals is 432. To find how many centuries and decades that is, divide 432 by 100 to find the centuries:
432 ÷ 100 = 4 with a remainder of 32.
Then, divide 32 by 10 to find the decades: 32 ÷ 10 = 3 with a remainder of 2. So, it was 4 centuries and 3 decades ago.
A museum acquired CDXXXII artifacts and wants to display them in XXXIV rooms equally. How many artifacts will each room have?
Each room will have XIII artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts per room, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of rooms.
CDXXXII = 432
XXXIV = 34
432 ÷ 34 = 12 with a remainder of 24.
Each room will have 12 artifacts, which is XII in Roman numerals.
If a monument's age is written as CDXXXII years in Roman numerals, how many years older is it than another monument that is CCXL years old?
The first monument is CLXXXXII years older.
CDXXXII = 432 CCXL = 240 The difference is 432 - 240 = 192 192 in Roman numerals is CXCII.
Convert the total of two collections, one of CLX and another of CCLXXII, into Roman numerals.
The total of the two collections is CDXXXII.
CLX = 160 CCLXXII = 272 The sum is 160 + 272 = 432 432 in Roman numerals is CDXXXII.
A library records an annual increase of XV books per year. If it currently has CDXXXII books, how many books did it have 20 years ago?
The library had CXXXII books 20 years ago.
CDXXXII = 432 Increase per year = XV = 15 Years = 20 The total increase over 20 years is 20 × 15 = 300.
432 - 300 = 132 132 in Roman numerals is CXXXII.
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.