Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of numerical notation used in ancient Rome, employing combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. These are used in various contexts such as royal titles, book names, and sequences. Here we will be discussing Roman Numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, often use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols and wondered what they represent? Those are Roman Numerals.
In ancient times, people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans developed the Roman Numeral system for this purpose.
The symbols used are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). In Roman Numerals, we use CDLII to represent 452, where C is 100, D is 500, L is 50, and II is 2. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman Numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some fundamental rules that must be remembered.
When a smaller numeral follows a larger one, you add their values. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
Some Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times to increase their value. For example, III → 3.
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, you subtract the smaller one. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times. Certain symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X. Similarly, 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 452 in Roman Numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman Numerals:
In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on their place values. This section will show how to write 452 in Roman numerals using this method. To write 452 in Roman Numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and units. For 452, we write it as 400 + 50 + 2.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman Numerals: 400 in Roman Numerals — CD 50 in Roman Numerals — L 2 in Roman Numerals — II
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together: Therefore, 452 in Roman Numerals is CD (400) + L (50) + II (2) = CDLII
When writing a large number as a Roman Numeral, we group the components. To write 452 in Roman Numerals, we group it as 400 + 50 + 2:
So, 452 is written as CDLII in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, it is helpful to learn about common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Calculate the sum of CLX and CCXCII.
The sum of CLX and CCXCII is CDLII.
CLX is 160 and CCXCII is 292.
Adding these gives 160 + 292 = 452.
452 in Roman Numerals is CDLII.
A historian found CDLII ancient coins and wants to distribute them equally among IV archaeologists. How many coins will each archaeologist receive?
Each archaeologist will receive CXIII coins.
To find the number of coins each archaeologist gets,
divide the total number of coins by the number of archaeologists:
CDLII / IV = 452 / 4 = 113.
113 in Roman Numerals is CXIII.
A library has CDXLV manuscripts, and receives VII more. How many manuscripts does the library have now?
The library now has CDLII manuscripts.
CDXLV is 445 and VII is 7.
Adding these gives 445 + 7 = 452.
452 in Roman Numerals is CDLII.
What is the difference between D and XLVIII?
The difference between D and XLVIII is CDLII.
D is 500 and XLVIII is 48.
Subtracting these gives 500 - 48 = 452.
452 in Roman Numerals is CDLII.
Express the number 400 + 50 + 2 in Roman numerals.
The Roman numeral for 400 + 50 + 2 is CDLII.
Breaking it down:
400 = CD
50 = L
2 = II
Combining these gives CDLII.
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.