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 used. Roman Numerals are found in royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here we will discuss Roman Numerals, their rules, and examples.
Royal titles such as Henry I, Henry II, and others use Roman Numerals. Have you ever wondered what these symbols (I, II) represent? They are Roman Numerals. In ancient times, people counted using fingers, sticks, and bones. As life became more complex, a standard form was needed. Ancient Romans developed the Roman Numeral system. The symbols I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are used.
In Roman Numerals, 956 is written as CMLVI, where CM is 900, L is 50, and VI is 6. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are basic rules for writing numbers in Roman Numerals. In this section, we will discuss these rules.
When the smaller number is placed after the larger number, the addition method is used. For example, VI → V + I → 5 + 1 = 6
Certain Roman Numerals can be repeated up to three times. For example, III → 3.
When a smaller number is placed before a larger number, subtraction is used. For example, IV → V - I → 5 - 1 = 4
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we don't write VV for 10; instead, we use X.
Let’s learn how to write 956 in Roman Numerals using different methods.
In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on place value. Here’s how to write 956 in Roman Numerals using this method.
Step 1: Break down 956 based on place value: 900 + 50 + 6
Step 2: Convert each part into Roman Numerals
Step 3: Combine them Therefore, 956 in Roman Numeral is CM (900) + L (50) + VI (6) = CMLVI
When writing large numbers in Roman Numerals, we group them. To write 956, we group: 900 + 50 + 6
Thus, 956 is written as CMLVI in Roman Numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman Numerals. Learning common mistakes and how to avoid them helps master Roman Numerals.
Calculate the sum of DCCC and CLVI.
The sum of DCCC and CLVI is CMLVI.
DCCC is 800 and CLVI is 156.
Adding them together: 800 + 156 = 956.
956 in Roman Numerals is CMLVI.
A historian found CMXLII ancient coins and wants to distribute them equally among II groups. How many coins will each group receive?
Each group will receive CDLXXI coins.
To find the number of coins each group receives, divide the total number of coins by the number of groups.
CMXLII = 942
II = 2
942 / 2 = 471
471 in Roman Numerals is CDLXXI.
If a collection has DCCLXXVIII items and you acquire CLXXVIII more, what is the total number of items?
The total number of items is CMLVI.
DCCLXXVIII is 778 and CLXXVIII is 178.
Adding them together: 778 + 178 = 956.
956 in Roman Numerals is CMLVI.
A construction project requires a total of CMXXX bricks. If they already have DCC bricks, how many more do they need?
They need CCXXVI more bricks.
The total required is CMXXX, which is 930.
They have DCC bricks, which is 700.
930 - 700 = 230
230 in Roman Numerals is CCXXX.
Express the sum of DLXXX and CCCLXXVI in Roman Numerals using the expansion method.
The Roman Numeral for the sum is CMLVI.
First, convert the numbers to Roman Numerals: DLXXX = 580
CCCLXXVI = 376
Add them together: 580 + 376 = 956
Using expansion method: 956 = 900 + 50 + 6 = CMLVI
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.