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, use Roman Numerals. Have you noticed these symbols (I, II) and wondered what they represent? Those are Roman Numerals.
Earlier, people used fingers, sticks, bones, etc., to count. As 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 we use to count.
In Roman Numerals, we use DCXLIX to represent 649, where D is 500, C is 100, XL is 40, 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 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. III → 3.
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger number. 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 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 649 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 649 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 649 in Roman Numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 649, we write it as 600 + 40 + 9.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman Numerals. 600 in Roman Numerals — DC 40 in Roman Numerals — XL 9 in Roman Numerals — IX
Step 3: Combine these Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 649 in Roman Numerals is DC (600) + XL (40) + IX (9) = DCXLIX.
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 649 in Roman Numerals, we group 649 as 600 + 40 + 9.
So, 649 is written as DCXLIX 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 ways to avoid them.
A historian discovers a scroll mentioning the battle between two armies numbering DCXLIX and CCCXXIV soldiers each. What is the total number of soldiers in Roman numerals?
The total number of soldiers is CMLXXIII.
The sum of the two armies is calculated by adding DCXLIX and CCCXXIV.
DCXLIX = 649
CCCXXIV = 324
649 + 324 = 973
973 in Roman numerals is CMLXXIII.
An architect plans to build a bridge using DCXLIX beams, with each beam costing LXXV coins. What is the total cost in Roman numerals?
The total cost is XLVIII DCCCLXXV.
To find the total cost, multiply the number of beams by the cost per beam.
DCXLIX = 649
LXXV = 75
649 × 75 = 48,875
48,875 in Roman numerals is XLVIII DCCCLXXV.
A library has DCXLIX scrolls and buys another CCXLI scrolls. How many scrolls are there in total?
The total number of scrolls is DCCCXC.
To find the total number of scrolls, add DCXLIX and CCXLI.
DCXLIX = 649
CCXLI = 241
649 + 241 = 890
890 in Roman numerals is DCCCXC.
A treasure chest contains DCXLIX gold coins, but CCCLXXIX coins are taken by pirates. How many coins remain?
The number of coins remaining is CCLXX.
The difference in the number of coins is found by subtracting CCCLXXIX from DCXLIX.
DCXLIX = 649
CCCLXXIX = 379
649 - 379 = 270
270 in Roman numerals is CCLXX.
Write the Roman Numeral for 649 divided by VII using the division method.
The Roman numeral for the quotient is XCII.
First, convert the number 649 into Roman numerals, which is DCXLIX, and VII is 7.
Divide the numbers:
649 ÷ 7 = 92
92 in Roman numerals is XCII.
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.