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. 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 DCCCLXXVIII to represent 878, where D is 500, CCC is 300, LXX is 70, and VIII is 8. 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, VIII → V + III → 5 + 3 = 8.
To write a large number, there are certain Roman numerals that can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
If a smaller number is placed before a larger 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 VV for 10; instead, we use X, and 8 is written as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 878 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 878 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 878 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on the place value. Place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 878, we write it as 800 + 70 + 8.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman numerals.
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 878 in Roman numerals is DCCC (800) + LXX (70) + VIII (8) = DCCCLXXVIII.
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 878 in Roman numerals, we group it as 800 + 70 + 8.
So, 878 is written as DCCCLXXVIII 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.
Calculate the sum of CD and CCCLXXVIII.
The sum of CD and CCCLXXVIII is DCCLXXVIII.
CD is 400 and CCCLXXVIII is 378.
Adding them together gives 400 + 378 = 778.
778 in Roman numerals is DCCLXXVIII.
A historian has found DCCCXII artifacts and plans to distribute them among XXVII museums equally. How many artifacts will each museum receive?
Each museum will receive XXX artifacts.
To find artifacts per museum, divide the total artifacts by the number of museums:
DCCCXII / XXVII.
DCCCXII = 812
XXVII = 27
812 / 27 = 30
30 in Roman numerals is XXX.
If you subtract CCCL from MCCXXVIII, what is the result in Roman numerals?
The result of subtracting CCCL from MCCXXVIII is DCCCLXXVIII.
MCCXXVIII is 1228
CCCL is 350.
Subtracting gives 1228 - 350 = 878.
878 in Roman numerals is DCCCLXXVIII.
A collector has a set of DCCCLXXVIII coins and buys an additional XLV coins. How many coins does she have now in Roman numerals?
The collector now has CMXXIII coins.
DCCCLXXVIII is 878
XLV is 45.
Adding them gives 878 + 45 = 923.
923 in Roman numerals is CMXXIII.
Convert the year 1978 into Roman numerals using the expansion method.
The year 1978 in Roman numerals is MCMLXXVIII.
Break down 1978:
1000 is M
900 is CM
70 is LXX
8 is VIII
Combine them to get MCMLXXVIII.
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.