Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of expressing numbers using combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used. Roman numerals are commonly found in royal titles, book chapter headings, sequences, and more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Roman numerals have been used historically in various contexts, such as royal titles like Henry VIII or book chapters. These symbols (e.g., VIII) represent numbers. Ancient Romans developed this numeral system for counting, using the symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000). To represent 548 in Roman numerals, we use DXLVIII, where D is 500, XL is 40, and VIII is 8.
Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to writing numbers 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 a smaller number is placed after a larger number, indicating addition. For example, VIII → V + I + I + I → 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 8.
To write a larger number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
The 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, and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 548 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals.
In the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. In this section, we will learn how to write 548 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 548 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on its place value: hundreds, tens, and ones. For 548, write it as 500 + 40 + 8.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals: Therefore, 548 in Roman numerals is D + XL + VIII = DXLVIII.
When writing large numbers in Roman numerals, we group the numbers. To write 548 in Roman numerals, group 548 as 500 + 40 + 8:
So, 548 is written as DXLVIII 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 discovers a manuscript that states a battle was fought involving DXLVIII soldiers. If each soldier received III arrows, how many arrows were distributed in total?
The total number of arrows distributed was MDCXLIV.
To find the total number of arrows, multiply the number of soldiers by the number of arrows each received.
DXLVIII = 548
III = 3
548 × 3 = 1644
1644 in Roman numerals is MDCXLIV.
An ancient scroll describes a treasure chest containing DXLVIII gold coins. If each of the VIII explorers took an equal share, how many coins did each explorer receive?
Each explorer received LXVIII coins.
To find the number of coins each explorer received, divide the total number of coins by the number of explorers.
DXLVIII = 548
VIII = 8
548 ÷ 8 = 68
68 in Roman numerals is LXVIII.
Calculate the sum of CCXL and DXLVIII.
The sum of CCXL and DXLVIII is DCCLXXXVIII.
To find the sum, add the two numbers together.
CCXL = 240
DXLVIII = 548
240 + 548 = 788
788 in Roman numerals is DCCLXXXVIII.
Determine the difference between DXLVIII and CLVIII.
The difference between DXLVIII and CLVIII is CCCXC.
To find the difference, subtract one number from the other.
DXLVIII = 548
CLVIII = 158
548 - 158 = 390
390 in Roman numerals is CCCXC.
Write the Roman Numeral for 548 + 37 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 548 + 37 is DLXXXV.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 548 and 37 into Roman numerals.
548 - DXLVIII
37 - XXXVII
Add the numbers together: 548 + 37 = 585
Using the expansion method: 585 = 500 + 80 + 5 = DLXXXV.
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.