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, use Roman numerals. Have you noticed the names and wondered what these symbols (I and II) represented?
Those are Roman numerals. Earlier people used to count using fingers, sticks, bones, etc. As life became more 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 DCCCLV to represent 855, where D is 500, CCC is 300, L is 50, 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, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
If a small number is placed before a large number in Roman numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the larger 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 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 855 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 855 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 855 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. The place value includes ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
For 855, we write it as 800 + 50 + 5.
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman numerals
800 in Roman numerals — DCCC
50 in Roman numerals — L
5 in Roman numerals — V
Step 3: Combining the Roman numerals together.
Therefore, 855 in Roman numerals is DCCC (800) + L (50) + V (5) = DCCCLV
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number.
To write 855 in Roman numerals, we group 855 as 800 + 50 + 5.
800 in Roman numerals — DCCC
50 in Roman numerals — L
5 in Roman numerals — V
So, 855 is written as DCCCLV 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 chest containing DCCCLV coins from the Roman era. If he decides to distribute them equally among V friends, how many coins will each friend receive?
Each friend will receive CLXXI coins.
To find the number of coins each friend receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of friends.
DCCCLV = 855
V = 5
Therefore, 855 / 5 = 171.
171 in Roman numerals can be written as CLXXI.
A scholar is researching ancient texts and finds a document that mentions a Roman army marching for DCCCLV days. If each legion marched for XXX days, how many legions were involved in the march?
There were XXVIII legions involved in the march.
To find the number of legions, divide the total number of marching days by the days each legion marched.
DCCCLV = 855
XXX = 30
Therefore, 855 / 30 = 28.5,
but since a legion can't be a fraction, it rounds down to 28. 28 in Roman numerals can be written as XXVIII.
An archaeologist finds a scroll that has the sum of CCCCLV and CD mentioned. What is the sum in Roman numerals?
The sum of CCCCLV and CD is DCCCLV.
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
CCCCLV = 455
CD = 400
455 + 400 = 855
855 in Roman numerals is DCCCLV.
In a puzzle, you need to find the difference between DCCCXC and XXXV. What is the difference in Roman numerals?
The difference between DCCCXC and XXXV is DCCCLV.
The difference of two numbers is the value obtained when subtracting one number from the other.
DCCCXC = 890
XXXV = 35
890 - 35 = 855
855 in Roman numerals can be written as DCCCLV.
Write the Roman numeral for 800 + 55 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 800 + 55 is DCCCLV.
Step 1: First convert the numbers 800 and 55 into Roman numerals.
800 - DCCC
55 - LV
Add the numbers together: 800 + 55 = 855
Using expansion method: 855 = 800 + 50 + 5 = DCCCLV.
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.