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 DCXLV to represent 645, where D is 500, C is 100, XL is 40, and V is 5. 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, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6.
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, XL → L - X → 50 - 10 = 40.
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 645 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 645 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 645 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 645 we write it as 600 + 40 + 5
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals
600 in Roman Numeral - DC
40 in Roman Numeral - XL
5 in Roman Numeral - V
Step 3: Combining the Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 645 in Roman Numeral is DC (600) + XL (40) + V (5) = DCXLV
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 645 in Roman Numeral, we group 645 as 600 + 40 + 5.
So, 645 is written as DCXLV 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 discovered a manuscript detailing an ancient civilization that built CDLXXXV structures over XV years. How many structures were built per year?
The number of structures built per year is XXXIII.
To find the number of structures built per year, divide the total number of structures by the number of years.
CDLXXXV = 485
XV = 15
485 / 15 = 32.33, approximately 33.
33 in Roman numerals can be written as XXXIII.
An archaeologist found two artifacts marked with the numbers CCCX and CCCXXXV. If they combine the artifacts, what is the total number in Roman numerals?
The total number is DCLXV.
To find the total, add the two numbers together.
CCCX = 310
CCCXXXV = 335
310 + 335 = 645
645 in Roman numerals is DCLXV.
A museum exhibit about ancient times includes DCLXV artifacts divided equally into V sections. How many artifacts are in each section?
Each section contains CXXIX artifacts.
To find the number of artifacts per section, divide the total number by the number of sections.
DCLXV = 645
V = 5
645 / 5 = 129
129 in Roman numerals can be written as CXXIX.
A scholar is translating an old text and encounters two numbers: CD and CCXLV. What is the difference between these numbers in Roman numerals?
The difference is CLV.
The difference is the result of subtracting one number from another.
CD = 400
CCXLV = 245
400 - 245 = 155
155 in Roman numerals can be written as CLV.
Calculate the sum of DCL and XV using the expansion method.
The sum is DCLXV.
Step 1: Convert the numbers DCL and XV into Roman numerals.
DCL = 650
XV = 15
Add the numbers together: 650 + 15 = 665 Using the expansion method: 665 = 600 + 60 + 5 = DCLXV.
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.