Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are the 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 DCLI to represent 651, where D is 500, C is 100, L is 50, 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. For example, LI → L + I → 50 + 1 = 51.
To write a large number, there are certain Roman Numerals that can be repeated three times. For example, 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, 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.
Let’s now learn how to write 651 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 651 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 651 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value: ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 651, we write it as 500 + 100 + 50 + 1.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman Numerals: 500 in Roman Numeral — D 100 in Roman Numeral — C 50 in Roman Numeral — L 1 in Roman Numeral — I
Step 3: Combining the Roman Numerals together: Therefore, 651 in Roman Numerals is D (500) + C (100) + L (50) + I (1) = DCLI.
When writing a large number in Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 651 in Roman Numerals, we group 651 as 500 + 100 + 50 + 1.
So, 651 is written as DCLI 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 discovers a set of ancient scrolls and finds that they were created in the year DCL. How many years ago was that from the current year 2023?
The scrolls were created 1372 years ago.
First, convert the Roman numeral DCL to a year.
DCL = 650.
The current year is 2023.
Subtract to find the difference:
2023 - 650 = 1373.
Therefore, the scrolls were created 1373 years ago.
An archaeologist finds a jug with a Roman numeral carved on it representing its volume in cubic centimeters. The numeral reads DCLI. How many liters does the jug hold, considering 1 liter equals 1000 cubic centimeters?
The jug holds 0.651 liters.
First, convert the Roman numeral DCLI to a number.
DCLI = 651.
Since 1 liter equals 1000 cubic centimeters, the jug holds
651 / 1000 = 0.651 liters.
A Roman engineer is tasked with constructing a bridge using DCL bricks. If each section of the bridge requires L bricks, how many sections can be completed with the available bricks?
Ten sections can be completed.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
DCL = 650
L = 50.
Divide the total number of bricks by the number of bricks per section:
650 / 50 = 13.
Therefore, 13 sections can be completed.
A scribe is copying a manuscript that mentions two cities: one built in the year DCL and another in the year DXX. How many years apart were the cities established?
The cities were established 130 years apart.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
DCL = 650
DXX = 520.
Find the difference between the years:
650 - 520 = 130.
Therefore, the cities were established 130 years apart.
A math professor challenges his students to write the sum of the Roman numerals DCL and CI using the expansion method. What is the result?
The sum of DCL and CI is DCCLI.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
DCL = 650
CI = 101.
Add the numbers:
650 + 101 = 751.
Convert the sum back to Roman numerals:
751 = 700 + 50 + 1 = DCCLI.
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.