Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of expressing numbers using specific symbols. The symbols used in Roman numerals are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Roman numerals are often seen in contexts such as royal titles, book chapters, sequences, and more. Here, we will discuss Roman numerals, their rules, and examples related to the number 721.
Have you ever noticed Roman numerals in contexts like royal titles such as Henry VIII or book chapters and wondered what these symbols represent?
These are Roman numerals. Ancient Romans developed this system as a standard form of counting, using symbols like I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000).
To represent 721 in Roman numerals, we use DCCXXI, where D is 500, CC is 200, XX is 20, 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. Let's discuss some of these in the context of writing 721.
When a smaller number is placed after a larger number, it indicates addition. For example, XXI → X + X + I → 10 + 10 + 1 = 21.
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to represent numbers. For example, CCC → 300.
If a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, it indicates subtraction. For example, XC → X (10) is subtracted from C (100), resulting in 90.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times. Additionally, symbols like V, L, and D are not repeated. For example, 10 is written as X, not VV.
Let's learn how to write 721 in Roman numerals using different methods.
In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 721 in Roman numerals using this method:
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value: 700 + 20 + 1.
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman numerals:
- 700 in Roman numerals is DCC (500 + 100 + 100).
- 20 in Roman numerals is XX.
- 1 in Roman numerals is I.
Step 3: Combine them: DCC (700) + XX (20) + I (1) = DCCXXI.
When writing a number in Roman numerals, we can group the numbers based on their value.
To write 721 in Roman numerals:
- Group 721 as 700 + 20 + 1.
- 700 in Roman numerals is DCC.
- 20 in Roman numerals is XX.
- 1 in Roman numerals is I.
Therefore, 721 is written as DCCXXI in Roman numerals.
When writing numbers in Roman numerals, common mistakes can occur. Here are a few and tips on how to avoid them:
A historian found DCCXXI ancient coins and decided to distribute them equally into XIII chests. How many coins does each chest get?
Each chest gets LV (55) coins.
To find the number of coins each chest receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of chests.
DCCXXI = 721
XIII = 13
721 ÷ 13 = 55
55 in Roman numerals is LV.
A museum has a collection of DCCXXI artifacts. If CCCXI new artifacts are added, what is the total number of artifacts in the museum?
The total number of artifacts is MXXXII.
Add the number of existing artifacts to the newly added artifacts.
DCCXXI = 721
CCCXI = 311
721 + 311 = 1032
1032 in Roman numerals is MXXXII.
A library wants to catalog their books by splitting a total of DCCXXI books into XIX sections equally. How many books will each section have?
Each section will have XXXVIII (38) books
Divide the total books by the number of sections.
DCCXXI = 721
XIX = 19
721 ÷ 19 = 38
38 in Roman numerals is XXXVIII.
Two cities are separated by a distance of DCCXXI kilometers and another city is CCX kilometers closer to the first city. What is the new distance between the first city and the closer city?
The distance is DCCCXI kilometers.
Subtract the distance of the second city from the total distance.
DCCXXI = 721
CCX = 210
721 - 210 = 511
511 in Roman numerals is DXI.
Write the Roman numeral for the sum of 721 and 299 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for the sum is MXX.
First convert the numbers 721 and 299 into Roman numerals.
721 - DCCXXI
299 - CCXCIX
Add the numbers together: 721 + 299 = 1020
Using the expansion method: 1020 = 1000 + 20 = MXX
Hence, the Roman numeral for 1020 is MXX.
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.
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