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 DCCCXC to represent 890, where D is 500, CCC is 300, and XC is 90. 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, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
To write a large number, there are certain Roman numerals that can be repeated up to three times. For example, CCC → 300.
If a small number is followed by 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 DDD for 1500; instead, we use MD.
Let’s now learn how to write 890 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 890 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 890 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value. Place value includes ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 890, we write it as 800 + 90
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman numerals
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 890 in Roman numerals is DCCC (800) + XC (90) = DCCCXC
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 890 in Roman numerals, we group 890 as 800 + 90
So, 890 is written as DCCCXC 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 found an ancient tablet with DCCCXC symbols. If he discovers another tablet with LXXX symbols next week, what will be the total value in Roman numerals?
The total value will be CMLXX.
DCCCXC represents 890 and LXXX represents 80.
Adding them together: 890 + 80 = 970.
970 in Roman Numerals is CMLXX.
An architect is designing an archway using DCCCXC bricks. If each section of the archway requires XXX bricks, how many complete sections can be constructed?
The number of complete sections is XXIX.
To find the number of complete sections, divide the total number of bricks by the number of bricks per section:
DCCCXC / XXX.
DCCCXC = 890
XXX = 30.
890 / 30 = 29.
29 in Roman numerals is XXIX.
A numerologist is analyzing a manuscript that mentions DCCCXC times the mystical number II. What is the product in Roman numerals?
The product is MDCCLXXX.
DCCCXC is 890
II is 2.
The product of 890 and 2 is 1780.
1780 in Roman Numerals is MDCCLXXX.
Calculate the difference between M and DCCCXC in Roman numerals.
The difference is CX.
M represents 1000 and DCCCXC represents 890.
The difference is 1000 - 890 = 110.
110 in Roman Numerals is CX.
Convert the sum of DCCCXC and CCCXV into Roman numerals.
The sum is MCCV.
DCCCXC is 890 and CCCXV is 315.
Adding them together: 890 + 315 = 1205.
1205 in Roman Numerals is MCCV.
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.