Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a method of expressing numbers using specific symbols: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. They are used in various contexts such as royal titles, book names, and sequences. In this content, we will discuss Roman numerals, the rules for their usage, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I and Henry II, often use Roman numerals. Have you ever wondered what these symbols represent? They are Roman numerals.
In ancient times, people counted with fingers, sticks, or bones. As life grew more complex, a standardized counting system was needed. Ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system.
The symbols used are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). For the number 479, we use the Roman numeral CDLXXIX. Here, C is 100, D is 500, L is 50, X is 10, and IX is 9. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss some fundamental rules needed to write numbers in Roman numerals.
The addition method is applied when a smaller number follows a larger number. For example, VII → V + II → 5 + 2 = 7.
To express numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
When a smaller numeral precedes a larger one, the subtraction method is used. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we do not write VV for 10; instead, we use X. Similarly, 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 479 in Roman numerals by following these methods:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 479 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.). For 479, we write it as 400 + 70 + 9.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals: 400 in Roman Numerals is CD. 70 in Roman Numerals is LXX. 9 in Roman Numerals is IX.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 479 in Roman numerals is CD (400) + LXX (70) + IX (9) = CDLXXIX.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers. To write 479 in Roman numerals, we group it as 400 + 70 + 9.
So, 479 is written as CDLXXIX in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A historian is translating an ancient text and finds a reference to a battle involving CDLXXIX soldiers. If each soldier carried III weapons, how many weapons were there in total?
The total number of weapons was MCDXXXVII.
In Roman numerals, CDLXXIX is 479.
Each of the 479 soldiers carried 3 weapons.
Multiplying gives: 479 × 3 = 1437.
Therefore, 1437 in Roman numerals is MCDXXXVII.
An archaeologist uncovers a collection of CDXLVIII artifacts. These are to be evenly distributed among XL students. How many artifacts will each student receive?
Each student will receive XI artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts each student receives, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of students.
CDXLVIII = 448
XL = 40.
Thus, 448 ÷ 40 = 11.
In Roman numerals, 11 is XI.
A curator is cataloging CDXC paintings and wants to add VIII more to the collection. What will the new total number of paintings be?
The new total will be CDXCVIII paintings.
CDXC represents 490 in Roman numerals.
Adding VIII (8) gives 490 + 8 = 498.
Therefore, 498 in Roman numerals is CDXCVIII.
A scholar is comparing two ancient texts, one mentioning CDXLV soldiers and another mentioning CDLXXIX soldiers. What is the difference in the number of soldiers mentioned?
The difference is XXXIV soldiers.
The difference between the two numbers is calculated by subtracting one from the other.
CDLXXIX = 479
CDXLV = 445.
Therefore, 479 - 445 = 34.
In Roman numerals, 34 is XXXIV.
Convert the sum of CC and CCLXXIX to Roman numerals using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for the sum is CDLXXIX.
First, convert the numbers to Roman numerals:
CC = 200
CCLXXIX = 279.
Adding these gives
200 + 279 = 479.
Using the expansion method:
479 = 400 + 70 + 9 = CDLXXIX.
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.