Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a method 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.
In ancient times, 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 DCXVII to represent 617, here D is 500, C is 100, X is 10, V is 5, and I is 1. 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, then it is the addition method. For example, DCXVII → D + C + X + V + I + I → 500 + 100 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 1 = 617
To write a large number, there are certain Roman Numerals that 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; it is a 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 VV for 10; instead, we use X, and 8 we write as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 617 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 617 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 617 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place value that is ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 617, we write it as 500 + 100 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 1
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals
500 in Roman Numeral - D
100 in Roman Numeral - C
10 in Roman Numeral - X
5 in Roman Numeral - V
1 in Roman Numeral - I
Step 3: Combining the Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 617 in Roman Numeral is D (500) + C (100) + X (10) + V (5) + I (1) + I (1) = DCXVII
When writing a large number into Roman Numeral, we group the number. To write 617 in Roman Numeral, we group 617 as 500 + 100 + 10 + 5 + 1 + 1
So, 617 is written as DCXVII 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 calculating the total years between the founding of two ancient cities: one established in DCXVII and the other in DCLX. How many years apart were they founded?
The cities were founded XLIII years apart.
To find the difference in years between the founding of the two cities, subtract the year DCLX from DCXVII:
DCXVII = 617
DCLX = 660
660 - 617 = 43
43 in Roman Numerals can be written as XLIII.
An archaeologist discovers a stash of DCCCXXV ancient coins, which he distributes among a group of XIII researchers. How many coins does each researcher receive?
Each researcher receives LXIII coins.
To find out how many coins each researcher receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of researchers:
DCCCXXV = 825
XIII = 13
825 ÷ 13 = 63
63 in Roman numerals can be written as LXIII.
A mathematician is studying numerical patterns and needs to calculate the sum of CCCXLIV and CCLXXIII. What is the result in Roman numerals?
The sum of CCCXLIV and CCLXXIII is DCXVII.
To find the sum, add the two numbers together:
CCCXLIV = 344
CCLXXIII = 273
344 + 273 = 617
617 in Roman Numerals is DCXVII.
A museum exhibit features two artifacts with inscriptions: one dated MCML and the other DCXVII. What is the difference in years between these two artifacts?
The difference between MCML and DCXVII is CCCXXXIII.
To find the difference in years, subtract DCXVII from MCML:
MCML = 1950
DCXVII = 617
1950 - 617 = 1333
1333 in Roman Numerals can be written as MCCCXXXIII.
Using the expansion method, write the Roman numeral for the sum of 300, 200, and 117.
The Roman numeral for the sum is DCXVII.
Step 1: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals:
300 = CCC
200 = CC
117 = CXVII
Add the numbers together: 300 + 200 + 117 = 617 Using the expansion method: 617 = 600 + 10 + 7 = DCXVII.
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.