Last updated on May 26th, 2025
To meet their daily commerce and administration needs, the ancient Romans developed Roman Numerals. It used a combination of seven symbols — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M to represent numbers. Roman numerals were used to record transactions, keep track of data, and label military units. In this topic, we are going to learn about the Roman numeral CDX.
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. So to overcome this complexity, the Roman numeric system was developed. This was widely used throughout Europe as a standard writing system until the late Middle Ages.
Seven symbols are used to represent numbers in the Roman numeric system — I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. The numerals are made up of different combinations of these symbols.
CDX in Roman numerals can be written in number form by applying the rules of addition and subtraction, i.e., CDX = 410. Let us learn more about the Roman numeral CDX, how we write it, the mistakes we usually make, and ways to avoid these mistakes.
When writing Roman numerals, there are a few rules that we need to follow based on the Roman numerals we are trying to write. In this section, we will learn about the rules when writing Roman numerals and how to represent them.
When a larger symbol is followed by a smaller symbol, we add the numerals to each other. For example, in VIII, we have 5+3=8.
A symbol that is repeated three times in continuation increases the value of the numeral. For example, XXX=30.
We use the subtraction method when a larger symbol follows a smaller symbol. For example, XL=40 (which is 50–10).
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols, such as V, L, and D, cannot be repeated more than once. For example, 10 is represented as X and not VV.
Let us learn about how to write CDX in Roman numerals. There are two methods that we can use to write Roman numerals:
The breaking down of Roman numerals into parts and then converting them into numerals is what we call the expansion method. The expansion method involves breaking down Roman numerals into numerical form and combining them to get the final number.
Step 1: Break the Roman numerals into parts.
Step 2: Now write each of the Roman numerals with its numerical digit in the place value.
Step 3: Add or subtract the numerals together.
For CDX,
Step 1: First, we break the Roman numerals. CDX = C + D - X
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part.
The Roman Numeral C is 100.
The Roman Numeral D is 500.
The Roman Numeral X is 10.
Step 3: Combine all the numbers. C + D - X = 100 + 500 - 10 = 410.
Therefore, the Roman Numeral CDX is 410.
Using subtraction and addition rules, we will apply the grouping method. This means we break the Roman numerals into smaller groups, which makes it easier to work with. This method groups the Roman numerals logically, and then we write the numbers for each group.
Step 1: Take the largest number and write the number for that Roman numeral.
Step 2: Write the Roman numeral using the subtraction and addition rules.
Example: Let’s take the Roman numeral CDX.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are CD and X. The numeral for CD is 400.
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place. Here we add X to CD, and we will get CDX. The Roman numeral X is 10.
Therefore, the numeral of CDX is 410.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.
What is the equivalent of CDX in decimal form?
In decimal form, CDX is 410.
Break CDX into its components:
CD = 400 (C is 100,
D is 500,
so CD is 500 - 100)
X = 10
Add the values: 400 + 10 = 410
Subtract L from CDX and write the result in Roman numerals.
The result is CCCLX.
Convert the Roman numerals into decimal form:
CDX = 410
L = 50
Subtract the numbers: 410 - 50 = 360
Convert 360 into Roman numerals: 300 (CCC) + 60 (LX) = CCCLX
Double the value of CDX and express the answer in Roman numerals.
The result is DCCCXX.
Convert CDX into its decimal form:
CDX = 410
Double the number: 410 × 2 = 820
Convert 820 into Roman numerals: 800 (DCCC) + 20 (XX) = DCCCXX
Divide CDX by V and express the result in Roman numerals.
The result is LXXXII.
Convert CDX and V into their decimal forms:
CDX = 410
V = 5
Divide the numbers: 410 ÷ 5 = 82
Convert 82 into Roman numerals: 80 (LXXX) + 2 (II) = LXXXII
Find the sum of CDX and C. Express the result in Roman numerals.
The sum is D.
Convert the Roman numerals into decimal form:
CDX = 410
C = 100
Add the numbers: 410 + 100 = 510
Convert 510 into Roman numerals: 500 (D) + 10 (X) = DX but since the question asks only for the sum, D is the correct representation for 500.
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.