Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are the way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols we use. Roman Numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman Numerals, rules, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are the Roman Numerals.
Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. to count earlier. When life became complex a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans used the Roman Numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use to count.
In Roman Numerals, we use CDXXXVIII to represent 438, where CD is 400, XXX is 30, and VIII is 8. 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.
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, VIII → V + I + I + I → 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8.
To write a large number, there are certain Roman Numerals that can be repeated three times. XXX → 30.
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number. For example, CD → D - C → 500 - 100 = 400.
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 CCCC for 400; instead, we use CD.
Let’s now learn how to write 438 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 438 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 438 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: The number is broken based on the place value, which includes ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 438, we write it as 400 + 30 + 8.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals:
400 in Roman Numerals - CD
30 in Roman Numerals - XXX
8 in Roman Numerals - VIII
Step 3: Combining them together: Therefore, 438 in Roman Numerals is CD (400) + XXX (30) + VIII (8) = CDXXXVIII.
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 438 in Roman Numerals, we group 438 as 400 + 30 + 8:
400 in Roman Numeral — CD
30 in Roman Numeral — XXX
8 in Roman Numeral — VIII
So, 438 is written as CDXXXVIII in Roman Numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing a number in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
Convert the sum of CLXXXVIII and CCL into Roman numerals.
The sum of CLXXXVIII and CCL is CDXXXVIII.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
CLXXXVIII = 188
CCL = 250
Now, add the numbers: 188 + 250 = 438 Finally, convert 438 into Roman numerals: CDXXXVIII
A historian recorded CDXXXVIII artifacts and wants to distribute them evenly among XXII museums. How many artifacts will each museum receive?
Each museum will receive XX artifacts.
Divide the total number of artifacts by the number of museums:
CDXXXVIII / XXII
CDXXXVIII = 438
XXII = 22
438 / 22 = 20 Twenty in Roman numerals is XX.
Subtract CCCX from DXLVIII and express the result in Roman numerals.
The difference between DXLVIII and CCCX is CXXXVIII.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
DXLVIII = 548
CCCX = 310
Now, subtract the numbers: 548 - 310 = 238 Finally, convert 238 into Roman numerals: CCXXXVIII
A collector has CDXXXVIII coins and decides to add LXXX more to his collection. How many coins does he have now, expressed in Roman numerals?
The collector now has DXVIII coins.
Add the coins together:
CDXXXVIII + LXXX
CDXXXVIII = 438
LXXX = 80
438 + 80 = 518 Convert 518 into Roman numerals: DXVIII
Express the product of XLVI and IX in Roman numerals.
The product of XLVI and IX is CDXIV.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
XLVI = 46
IX = 9
Now, multiply the numbers: 46 × 9 = 414 Finally, convert 414 into Roman numerals: CDXIV
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.