Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols employed. Roman Numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on use Roman numerals. Have you ever wondered what these symbols (I and II) represent? They are Roman numerals. Early humans used fingers, sticks, and bones to count. As life became 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). In Roman Numerals, we use DV to represent 505, where D is 500 and V is 5.
Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. Let's discuss some rules to remember when writing a number in Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, DV → D + V → 500 + 5 = 505.
To write larger numbers, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
If a smaller number precedes a larger one in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger one. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
The symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we don't write VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let’s learn how to write 505 in Roman Numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on its place value. Here’s how to write 505 in Roman numerals using this method.
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, ones, etc. For 505, we write it as 500 + 5.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine them together. Therefore, 505 in Roman Numerals is D (500) + V (5) = DV.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 505 in Roman Numerals, group it as 500 + 5.
So, 505 is written as DV in Roman Numerals.
People often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master them, learn a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Calculate the sum of DL and LV.
The sum of DL and LV is DLV.
DL is 500 and LV is 55 in Roman numerals.
The sum of DL and LV is 500 + 55 = 555.
555 in Roman Numerals is DLV.
A library has DL books to be distributed evenly among V shelves. How many books will each shelf contain?
Each shelf will contain CI books.
To find the number of books each shelf gets, we divide the total number of books by the number of shelves. DL = 505 and V = 5.
Therefore, 505 / 5 = 101.
101 in Roman numerals is CI.
Subtract the Roman numeral representing XCV from DXX.
The result is CDXXV.
XCV is 95 and DXX is 520.
Subtracting the two gives 520 - 95 = 425.
425 in Roman Numerals is CDXXV.
Convert the difference between D and VI into Roman numerals.
The difference between D and VI is CDXCIV.
D is 500 and VI is 6.
The difference is 500 - 6 = 494.
494 in Roman numerals is CDXCIV.
Multiply the Roman numerals for XXV and V, then express the result in Roman numerals.
The product of XXV and V is CXXV.
XXV is 25 and V is 5 in Roman numerals.
The product is 25 × 5 = 125.
125 in Roman numerals is CXXV.
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.