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, often feature 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. When life became complex, a standard form was required for counting. 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 CMXLII to represent 942, where C is 100, M is 1000, X is 10, and L is 50, 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, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
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, 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 942 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 942 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 942 in Roman numerals, follow the steps:
Step 1: The number is broken down based on the place value: hundreds, tens, ones, etc. For 942, we write it as 900 + 40 + 2
Step 2: Converting the number into Roman numerals:
Step 3: Combining the Roman numerals together. Therefore, 942 in Roman numerals is CM (900) + XL (40) + II (2) = CMXLII
When writing a large number into Roman numerals, we group the number. To write 942 in Roman numerals, we group 942 as 900 + 40 + 2
So, 942 is written as CMXLII in Roman numerals.
Students make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and the ways to avoid them.
Calculate the product of DCCC and CXVII.
The product of DCCC and CXVII is XCVIIIMDCCC.
In numbers, DCCC is 800 and CXVII is 117.
The product of DCCC and CXVII is 800 × 117 = 93600.
93600 in Roman Numerals can be written as XCVIIIMDCCC.
A library has MMMCMXLII books to arrange among XLII shelves. How many books will each shelf contain?
Each shelf will contain XCIV books.
To determine the number of books per shelf, divide the total number of books by the number of shelves.
MMMCMXLII = 3942
XLII = 42
Therefore, MMMCMXLII / XLII = 3942 / 42 = 94.
94 in Roman numerals can be written as XCIV.
Find the sum of CDLXXI and CDLXXI.
The sum of CDLXXI and CDLXXI is CMXLII.
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
CDLXXI = 471
CDLXXI = 471
471 + 471 = 942
942 in Roman Numerals is CMXLII.
The sum of CDLXXI and CDLXXI is CMXLII.
What is the difference between M and CMXLII?
The difference between M and CMXLII is LVIII.
The difference of two numbers is the value obtained by subtracting one number from the other.
M = 1000
CMXLII = 942
1000 - 942 = 58
58 in Roman Numerals can be written as LVIII.
Write the Roman Numeral for 900 + 42 using the expansion method.
The Roman numeral for 900 + 42 is CMXLII.
Step 1: Convert the numbers 900 and 42 into Roman numerals:
900 - CM
42 - XLII
Add the numbers together: 900 + 42 = 942
Using the expansion method: 942 = 900 + 40 + 2 = CMXLII.
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.