Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals express numbers using symbols like I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. They are used in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will discuss Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, and so on, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these titles and wondered what the symbols represented? They are Roman numerals.
In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more complex, a standard system was needed. The ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system for counting. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used.
In Roman numerals, we represent 681 as DCLXXXI, where D is 500, C is 100, L is 50, X is 10, and I is 1. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how to write them.
There are basic rules for writing numbers in Roman numerals. In this section, we’ll discuss some basic rules to remember when writing numbers in Roman numerals.
If a smaller number is placed after a larger number, it is the addition method. For example, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, XXX → 30.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, it is subtracted. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4
Symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. We won't write VV for 10; instead, we use X. For 8, we write VIII, not V + I + I + I.
Let’s learn how to write 681 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods:
In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 681 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value into hundreds, tens, and ones. For 681, it’s 600 + 80 + 1.
Step 2: Convert each number to Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals. Therefore, 681 in Roman numerals is DC + LXXX + I = DCLXXXI.
For large numbers, group them into components. To write 681 in Roman numerals, group it as 600 + 80 + 1:
So, 681 is written as DCLXXXI in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, learn common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Determine the sum of CDLXXXVI and CXCV.
The sum of CDLXXXVI and CXCV is DCLXXXI.
To find the sum of two numbers, add them together.
CDLXXXVI = 486
CXCV = 195
486 + 195 = 681
681 in Roman Numerals is DCLXXXI.
A historian finds DCLXXXI ancient coins and wants to distribute them equally among IX archaeologists. How many coins does each archaeologist receive?
Each archaeologist receives LXXVII coins.
To determine the number of coins each archaeologist receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of archaeologists.
DCLXXXI = 681
IX = 9
681 / 9 = 77
77 in Roman Numerals is LXXVII.
If a library has DCC books and decides to donate XIX books, how many books will remain?
The number of books remaining is DCLXXXI.
Subtract the number of books donated from the total number of books.
DCC = 700
XIX = 19
700 - 19 = 681
681 in Roman Numerals is DCLXXXI.
Calculate the product of XXVII and XXV.
The product of XXVII and XXV is DCLXXXI.
To find the product, multiply the two numbers.
XXVII = 27
XXV = 25
27 × 25 = 675
675 in Roman Numerals is DCLXXV.
This was calculated incorrectly here, the correct product should be 675, not 681.
Write the Roman numeral for 340 + 341 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 340 + 341 is DCLXXXI.
Step 1: Convert each number into Roman numerals.
340 = CCCXL
341 = CCCXLI
Add the numbers together:
340 + 341 = 681
Using the expansion method:
681 = 600 + 80 + 1
= DC + LXXX + I = DCLXXXI.
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.