Last updated on May 26th, 2025
To meet their daily commerce and administration needs, the ancient Romans developed Roman numerals. This numeric system 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 CXLIX.
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. So to overcome the 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. CXLIX in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding and subtracting the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., CXLIX = 149.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral CXLIX, how we write them, 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 CXLIX 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 is the breaking down of Roman numerals into numerical form and adding or subtracting them to get the final number. For CXLIX,
Step 1: First, we break the Roman numerals. CXLIX = C + XL + IX
Step 2: Write the Roman numerals for each part The Roman numeral C is 100 The Roman numeral XL is 40 The Roman numeral IX is 9
Step 3: Combine all the numbers C + XL + IX = 100 + 40 + 9 = 149. Therefore, the Roman numeral CXLIX is 149.
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.
Example: Let’s take the Roman numeral CXLIX.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are C, XL, and IX.
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place. The numeral for C is 100 The numeral for XL is 40 The numeral for IX is 9 Therefore, the numeral of CXLIX is 149.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make, and ways to avoid them.
What is the product of XLII and III? Provide the answer in Roman numerals.
The product is CXXVI
Convert XLII and III into decimal form:
XLII = 42
III = 3
Now multiply the numbers:
42 × 3 = 126
Convert 126 into Roman numerals:
126 = 100 (C) + 20 (XX) + 6 (VI) = CXXVI
Subtract XXIV from CLIII and express the result in Roman numerals.
The result is CXXIX
Convert the Roman numerals into decimal form:
CLIII = 153
XXIV = 24
Now subtract the numbers:
153 - 24 = 129
Convert 129 into Roman numerals:
129 = 100 (C) + 20 (XX) + 9 (IX) = CXXIX
Divide CCXCVIII by II and write the answer in Roman numerals.
CXLIX
Convert CCXCVIII into decimal form:
CCXCVIII = 298
Divide by 2:
298 / 2 = 149
Write 149 in Roman numerals:
149 = 100 (C) + 40 (XL) + 9 (IX) = CXLIX
Add LXVII and LXXXII. Provide the sum in Roman numerals.
The sum is CXLIX
Convert LXVII and LXXXII into decimal form:
LXVII = 67
LXXXII = 82
Now add the numbers:
67 + 82 = 149
Convert 149 into Roman numerals:
149 = 100 (C) + 40 (XL) + 9 (IX) = CXLIX
Convert CXLIX into its decimal form.
In decimal form, CXLIX is 149
Break CXLIX into components:
C = 100
XL = 40
IX = 9
Add values: 100 + 40 + 9 = 149
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.