Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are the symbols used. Roman numerals are commonly found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. 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 counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed for counting. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system for this purpose. The symbols are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we write 534 as DXXXIV, where D is 500, XXX is 30, and IV is 4. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
Certain basic rules govern how numbers are written in Roman numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some of these rules that must be remembered.
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number.
For example, XXXIV → XXX + IV → 30 + 4 = 34.
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to represent larger numbers.
For example, XXX → 30.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, we subtract the smaller number from the larger one. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we wouldn't write VV for 10; instead, we use X, and for 8, we write VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 534 in Roman numerals. You can use these methods to write the number in Roman numerals:
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here's how to write 534 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value, i.e., hundreds, tens, ones. For 534, write it as 500 + 30 + 4.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals.
500 in Roman numerals - D
30 in Roman numerals - XXX
4 in Roman numerals - IV
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals. Therefore, 534 in Roman numerals is D + XXX + IV = DXXXIV.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers. To write 534 in Roman numerals, group as 500 + 30 + 4.
So, 534 is written as DXXXIV in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. Understanding common errors can help avoid them.
Calculate the sum of DXX and XIV.
The sum of DXX and XIV is DXXXIV.
In Roman numerals, DXX is 520 and XIV is 14.
The sum of 520 and 14 is 534, which is written as DXXXIV in Roman numerals.
A historian finds a collection of DXXXVII artifacts and decides to distribute them equally among XXXVII museums. How many artifacts does each museum receive?
Each museum receives XIV artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts per museum, divide the total number of artifacts by the number of museums:
DXXXVII = 537
XXXVII = 37
537 ÷ 37 = 14
14 in Roman numerals is XIV.
A collector has a total of MXL coins, out of which DXXXIV are special editions. How many are regular coins?
The number of regular coins is DVI.
To find the number of regular coins, subtract the number of special edition coins from the total number of coins:
MXL = 1040
DXXXIV = 534
1040 - 534 = 506
506 in Roman numerals is DVI.
Convert the difference between M and CDLVI into Roman numerals.
The difference between M and CDLVI is DXLIV.
To find the difference, subtract CDLVI from M:
M = 1000
CDLVI = 456
1000 - 456 = 544
544 in Roman numerals is DXLIV.
Write the Roman Numeral for the product of II and CCLXVII using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for the product of II and CCLXVII is DXXXIV.
Step 1: Convert the numbers II and CCLXVII into Roman numerals: II = 2 CCLXVII = 267
Step 2: Multiply the numbers: 2 × 267 = 534
Step 3: Using the expansion method: 534 = 500 + 30 + 4 = D + XXX + IV = DXXXIV
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.