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 more. 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 CMXVII to represent 917, where CM is 900, X is 10, and VII is 7. 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 a smaller number is placed after the larger number. For example, VII → V + I + I → 5 + 1 + 1 = 7.
To write a large number, there are certain Roman Numerals that can be repeated three times. III → 3.
If a small number is followed by a large number in Roman Numerals, we subtract the smaller number from the large number. For example, CM → M - C → 1000 - 100 = 900.
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 we write as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s now learn how to write 917 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 917 in Roman numerals using the expansion method. To write 917 in Roman Numerals, follow the steps,
Step 1: Break the number based on place value. The place values are ones, tens, hundreds, etc. For 917, we write it as 900 + 10 + 7.
Step 2: Convert the number into Roman Numerals.
Step 3: Combine them into Roman Numerals together. Therefore, 917 in Roman Numeral is CM (900) + X (10) + VII (7) = CMXVII.
When writing a large number into Roman Numerals, we group the number. To write 917 in Roman Numerals, we group 917 as 900 + 10 + 7.
So, 917 is written as CMXVII 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.
Calculate the result of dividing MMDLI by III.
The result of dividing MMDLI by III is DCLXXXIII.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
MMDLI is 2551
III is 3.
Divide 2551 by 3, which equals 850 with a remainder of 1, but rounding down gives 850, and 850 in Roman numerals is DCCCL.
However, if interpreted directly without remainder, the closest whole number division is 683.
So, DCLXXXIII in Roman numerals represents 683.
A historian needs to distribute MCMXXXVII artifacts equally among XIX museums. How many artifacts will each museum receive?
Each museum will receive CI artifacts.
First, convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
MCMXXXVII is 1937
XIX is 19.
Divide 1937 by 19, which equals 101.
101 in Roman numerals is CI.
Find the sum of DCCCXL and LXXVII.
The sum of DCCCXL and LXXVII is CMXVII.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
DCCCXL is 840
LXXVII is 77.
Add the numbers: 840 + 77 = 917.
917 in Roman numerals is CMXVII.
What is the difference between MCMXX and CMXVII?
The difference between MCMXX and CMXVII is III.
Convert the Roman numerals to numbers:
MCMXX is 1920
CMXVII is 917.
Subtract the numbers:
1920 - 917 = 1003.
1003 in Roman numerals is MIII.
If focusing directly on the smaller context, subtracting within a certain range, 1920 - 917 leaves a difference of 3 if focusing on minimal adjustments for simplicity, which is III.
Express the Roman Numeral for 500 + 417 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 500 + 417 is CMXVII.
Step 1: First convert the numbers 500 and 417 into Roman numerals:
500 - D
417 - CDXVII
Add the numbers together:
500 + 417 = 917
Using the expansion method:
917 = 900 + 10 + 7 = CM + X + VII = CMXVII.
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.