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, 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. 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 DCCCLXXII to represent 872. Here, D is 500, CCC is 300, L is 50, XX is 20, and II is 2. 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, DCCCLXXII → D + CCC + L + XX + II → 500 + 300 + 50 + 20 + 2 = 872.
To write a larger number, certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
If a small number precedes 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 LL for 100; instead, we use C.
Let’s now learn how to write 872 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 872 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 872 in Roman numerals, follow these steps
Step 1: Break down the number based on place value: hundreds, tens, and ones. For 872, we write it as 800 + 70 + 2.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 872 in Roman numerals is DCCC (800) + LXX (70) + II (2) = DCCCLXXII.
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 872 in Roman numerals, we group it as 800 + 70 + 2.
So, 872 is written as DCCCLXXII 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 ways to avoid them.
Convert the sum of CDXXXVI and CDXXXVI into Roman numerals.
The sum of CDXXXVI and CDXXXVI is DCCCLXXII
CDXXXVI is 436 in Arabic numerals.
Adding CDXXXVI to itself gives us 436 + 436 = 872.
The Roman numeral for 872 is DCCCLXXII.
A historian found DCCCLXXII ancient coins and wants to distribute them equally among VIII museums. How many coins does each museum receive?
Each museum receives CIX coins.
To determine the number of coins each museum receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of museums:
DCCCLXXII / VIII.
DCCCLXXII is 872,
VIII is 8.
So, 872 / 8 = 109.
The Roman numeral for 109 is CIX.
If a merchant has MMDCXV items and sells MDCCXLIII of them, how many items are left? Express the answer in Roman numerals.
The number of items left is DCCCLXXII.
First, convert the Roman numerals to Arabic numerals:
MMDCXV is 2615,
MDCCXLIII is 1743.
Subtract to find the remaining items:
2615 - 1743 = 872.
The Roman numeral for 872 is DCCCLXXII.
A city was founded in the year MDCCLXXXII. How many years have passed since its founding, if the current year is MMDCXLIV?
The number of years that have passed is DCCCLXXII.
Convert the Roman numerals to Arabic numerals:
MDCCLXXXII is 1782,
MMDCXLIV is 2644.
Subtract the founding year from the current year:
2644 - 1782 = 862.
The Roman numeral for 862 is DCCCLXXII.
Write the Roman numeral for 436 + 436 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 436 + 436 is DCCCLXXII.
Step 1: Convert 436 into Roman numerals, which is CDXXXVI.
Step 2: Add the numbers:
436 + 436 = 872.
Step 3: Expand 872: 800 + 70 + 2 = DCCCLXXII.
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.