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.
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 Roman numerals.
Earlier people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. When life became complex, a standard form was required to count. Ancient Romans used the Roman numeral system to count. The symbols we use are I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
In Roman numerals, we use DCXLII to represent 642. Here, D is 500, C is 100, XL is 40, and II is 2. 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, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6.
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 precedes a large number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number. For example, IX → X - I → 10 - 1 = 9.
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. We write 8 as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 642 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 642 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 642 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones. For 642, we write it as 600 + 40 + 2.
Step 2: Convert the numbers into Roman numerals:
600 in Roman numerals - DC (500 + 100)
40 in Roman numerals - XL
2 in Roman numerals - II
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 642 in Roman numerals is DCXLII.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 642 in Roman numerals, we group 642 as 600 + 40 + 2.
So, 642 is written as DCXLII 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.
If DCC and CDXLII are added together, what is the sum?
The sum of DCC and CDXLII is MCXLII
In Roman numerals, DCC is 700 and CDXLII is 442. Adding these together, 700 + 442 = 1142. In Roman numerals, 1142 is written as MCXLII.
A historian has a collection of DCXLII ancient coins and wants to distribute them equally into VII ancient chests. How many coins will each chest contain?
Each chest will contain XCII coins.
To find the number of coins each chest will contain, divide the total number of coins by the number of chests:
DCXLII / VII.
DCXLII is 642 and VII is 7.
Therefore, 642 / 7 = 92. In Roman numerals, 92 is written as XCII.
Calculate the difference between M and DCXLII.
The difference between M and DCXLII is CCCLVIII.
M is 1000 and DCXLII is 642. The difference is 1000 - 642 = 358. In Roman numerals, 358 is written as CCCLVIII.
A Roman architect needs to place DCXLII stones equally around a circular monument with VI pillars. How many stones will be placed around each pillar?
Each pillar will have CVII stones placed around it.
To determine how many stones will be placed around each pillar, divide the total number of stones by the number of pillars:
DCXLII / VI.
DCXLII is 642 and VI is 6.
Therefore, 642 / 6 = 107.
In Roman numerals, 107 is written as CVII.
Express the result of adding CCC and DCXLII using Roman numerals.
The sum of CCC and DCXLII is CMXLII.
In Roman numerals, CCC is 300 and DCXLII is 642. Adding these together, 300 + 642 = 942. In Roman numerals, 942 is written as CMXLII.
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.