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. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented? Those are the Roman Numerals.
Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. to count earlier. 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 DLXXXIX to represent 589, where D is 500, L is 50, XXX is 30, and IX is 9. 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 a smaller number is placed after the larger number; then it is the addition method. For example, DLXXX → D + L + XXX → 500 + 50 + 30 = 580.
To write a larger number, certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30 (10 + 10 + 10).
If a small number is followed by a larger number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. This is the subtraction method. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
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 LL for 100; instead, we use C.
Let’s now learn how to write 589 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 589 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 589 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 589, we write it as 500 + 80 + 9.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman Numerals. -
Step 3: Combine the Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 589 in Roman Numerals is D (500) + LXXX (80) + IX (9) = DLXXXIX.
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 589 in Roman Numerals, we group 589 as 500 + 80 + 9. -
So, 589 is written as DLXXXIX in Roman Numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing a number in Roman Numerals. To master Roman Numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
A historian is categorizing ancient artifacts and has found two sets labeled DLX and XXIX. What is the combined total of these artifacts in Roman numerals?
The combined total of artifacts is DLXXXIX.
To find the total, convert each set to their numeral values and add them.
DLX = 560
XXIX = 29
560 + 29 = 589
589 in Roman numerals is DLXXXIX.
A library has DCLX books, and they decide to give away LXXI books to a local school. How many books does the library have left in Roman numerals?
The library has DLXXXIX books left.
Subtract the number of books given away from the total.
DCLX = 660
LXXI = 71
660 - 71 = 589
589 in Roman numerals is DLXXXIX.
A group of athletes plans to race a distance of DLXXXIX meters in total. If one athlete runs CDL meters, how many meters are left for the rest?
The remaining distance is CLXXXIX meters.
Subtract the distance covered by one athlete from the total.
DLXXXIX = 589
CDL = 450
589 - 450 = 139
139 in Roman numerals is CLXXXIX.
A collector has CDXXVIII coins and acquires another CLXI coins. What is the total number of coins in Roman numerals?
The total number of coins is DLXXXIX.
Add the number of acquired coins to the existing collection.
CDXXVIII = 428
CLXI = 161 428 + 161 = 589
589 in Roman numerals is DLXXXIX.
If a Roman villa was constructed in the year DLXXXIX, how many centuries ago was it built from the year MMXXIII?
The villa was constructed approximately XV centuries ago.
Calculate the difference between the current year and the construction year, then divide by 100 to find the number of centuries.
MMXXIII = 2023
DLXXXIX = 589
2023 - 589 = 1434
1434 ÷ 100 = 14.34,
which is approximately XV centuries.
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.