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 we use. Roman numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and so on. Here we will be discussing Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
The royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, utilize Roman Numerals. Have you noticed these names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are Roman numerals. Earlier, people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system to count. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols we use to count.
In Roman numerals, we use D to represent 500, L to represent 50, and III to represent 3. So, 553 is written as D (500) + L (50) + III (3) = DLIII. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules to write a number 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 the smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, DLIII → D + L + III → 500 + 50 + 3 = 553.
To write a large number, there are certain Roman numerals that can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
If a small number is placed before a larger number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. 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 won't write LLL for 150; instead, we use CL (100 + 50), and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 553 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals:
In the expansion method, based on the place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 553 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 553 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: The number is broken down based on the place value: hundreds, tens, ones. For 553, we write it as 500 + 50 + 3.
Step 2: Converting the numbers into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combining the Roman numerals together: Therefore, 553 in Roman numerals is D (500) + L (50) + III (3) = DLIII.
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 553 in Roman numerals, we group 553 as 500 + 50 + 3.
So, 553 is written as DLIII 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 the ways to avoid them.
Find the difference between DLIII and CCXLVII.
The difference between DLIII and CCXLVII is CCCVI.
The difference of two numbers is the result when subtracting one from the other.
DLIII = 553
CCXLVII = 247
553 - 247 = 306
306 in Roman Numerals can be written as CCCVI.
A factory produces DCLX bottles in a day. How many bottles are produced in L days?
The number of bottles produced in L days is XXXIII,CCC.
To find the total production, multiply the daily production by the number of days.
DCLX = 660
L = 50
660 × 50 = 33,000
33,000 in Roman numerals can be written as XXXIII,CCC.
If a library has MMXIII books and decides to donate DLIII books, how many books remain in the library?
The number of books remaining in the library is MCDLX.
To find the remaining books, subtract the donated books from the total.
MMXIII = 2013
DLIII = 553
2013 - 553 = 1460
1460 in Roman Numerals is MCDLX.
Convert the sum of CLXVIII and CCCLXXXV into Roman numerals.
The sum of CLXVIII and CCCLXXXV is DLIII.
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
CLXVIII = 168
CCCLXXXV = 385
168 + 385 = 553
553 in Roman Numerals is DLIII.
A company divides DXXXV apples equally among V baskets. How many apples are in each basket?
Each basket will contain CVII apples.
To find the number of apples per basket, divide the total apples by the number of baskets.
DXXXV = 535
V = 5 535 / 5 = 107
107 in Roman numerals can be written as CVII.
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.