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 more. 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. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used to count.
In Roman numerals, we use DXCVIII to represent 598. Here, D is 500, XC is 90, and VIII is 8. 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, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8
To write a large number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated three times. III → 3.
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number. For example, XC → C - X → 100 - 10 = 90
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 VV for 10; instead, we use X, and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 598 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 598 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 598 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 598, we write it as 500 + 90 + 8.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 598 in Roman numerals is D (500) + XC (90) + VIII (8) = DXCVIII
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 598 in Roman numerals, we group 598 as 500 + 90 + 8.
So, 598 is written as DXCVIII 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.
Convert the sum of DXLVIII and L into Roman numerals.
The sum of DXLVIII and L is DXCVIII.
First, convert each number into Arabic numerals:
DXLVIII = 548, and L = 50.
Add them together: 548 + 50 = 598.
598 in Roman numerals is DXCVIII.
A historian needs to distribute DCCCXIV ancient coins among XIII collectors. How many coins will each collector receive?
Each collector will receive LXII coins.
To find the number of coins each collector receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of collectors: DCCCXIV = 814, XIII = 13.
814 / 13 = 62.
62 in Roman numerals is LXII.
A museum acquires two collections, one consisting of CCC and another of CCXCVIII artifacts. What is the total number of artifacts in Roman numerals?
The total number of artifacts is DXCVIII.
Add the two collections: CCC = 300, CCXCVIII = 298.
300 + 298 = 598.
598 in Roman numerals is DXCVIII.
An ancient manuscript mentions the years CCLXXVIII and CCCXX in Roman numerals. What is the difference between these years?
The difference between the years is XLII.
Subtract the two years: CCLXXVIII = 278, CCCXX = 320.
320 - 278 = 42.
42 in Roman numerals is XLII.
Write the Roman numeral for 600 - II using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 600 - II is DXCVIII.
Step 1: First convert the numbers 600 and 2 into Roman numerals. 600 = DC 2 = II Subtract the numbers: 600 - 2 = 598. Using the expansion method: 598 = 500 + 90 + 8 = DXCVIII.
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.