Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a way of expressing numbers using symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used. Roman numerals are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples.
Have you ever noticed Roman numerals in royal titles like Henry I, Henry II, and so forth? These symbols represent numbers in the Roman numeral system.
In the past, people counted using fingers, sticks, and bones. As life became more complex, a standardized counting system was needed. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system for this purpose. The symbols used include I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we use DLXXXV to represent 585. Here, D is 500, L is 50, and XXXV is 35. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing a number in Roman numerals. In this section, let’s discuss some basic rules to remember when writing numbers in Roman numerals.
The addition method is used when a smaller number is placed after a larger number. For example, DLXXXV → D + L + XXX + V → 500 + 50 + 30 + 5 = 585.
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, you subtract the smaller number. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and certain symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For instance, we do not write DDD for 1500; instead, we use MD.
Let’s learn how to write 585 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods:
Using the expansion method, the number is broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 585 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break down the number by place value—hundreds, tens, ones, etc. For 585, write it as 500 + 50 + 30 + 5.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals: Therefore, 585 in Roman numerals is D (500) + L (50) + XXX (30) + V (5) = DLXXXV.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, group the numbers. To write 585 in Roman numerals, group 585 as 500 + 50 + 30 + 5.
So, 585 is written as DLXXXV in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master them, learn about common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Calculate the sum of DLXXXV and XV.
The sum of DLXXXV and XV is DC.
To find the sum, add the values of the Roman numerals.
DLXXXV = 585
XV = 15
585 + 15 = 600
600 in Roman Numerals is DC.
A historian found DCCCLXV ancient coins and decides to divide them equally among five museums. How many coins does each museum receive?
Each museum receives CLXXIII coins.
To find the number of coins each museum receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of museums. DCCCLXV = 865
865 / 5 = 173
173 in Roman Numerals is CLXXIII.
A collector acquires CCCXC vintage stamps and later buys an additional CXCV stamps. How many stamps does the collector have in total?
The collector has DLXXXV stamps in total.
Add the two numbers to find the total number of stamps.
CCCXC = 390
CXCV = 195
390 + 195 = 585
585 in Roman Numerals is DLXXXV.
A scholar needs to subtract CCCX from DCLV to find the remaining scrolls. What is the result?
The result is CCCXLV.
Subtracting the two numbers gives the remaining scrolls.
DCLV = 655
CCCX = 310
655 - 310 = 345
345 in Roman Numerals is CCCXLV.
Write the Roman Numeral for the product of XIII and XLV.
The Roman numeral for the product of XIII and XLV is DLXXXV.
First, convert the numbers into Roman numerals and multiply them.
XIII = 13
XLV = 45
13 × 45 = 585
585 in Roman Numerals is 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.