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 MCCV.
Ancient Romans discovered that counting fingers could get very complicated after 10. 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 consist of different combinations of these symbols. MCCV in Roman numerals can be written in number form by adding the values of each Roman numeral, i.e., MCCV = 1205.
Let us learn more about the Roman numeral MCCV, how to 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 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 up to three times 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 MCCV 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 adding 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 the numerals together.
For MCCV,
Step 1: First we break the Roman numerals. MCCV = M + C + C + V
Step 2: Write the Roman Numerals for each part The Roman Numeral M is 1000 The Roman Numeral C is 100 The Roman Numeral V is 5
Step 3: Combine all the numbers M + C + C + V = 1000 + 100 + 100 + 5 = 1205.
Therefore, the Roman Numeral MCCV is 1205.
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 MCCV.
Step 1: The larger Roman numerals are what we will begin with. Once split, the Roman numerals we get are MCC and V. The numeral for MCC is 1200.
Step 2: Now we need to either add or subtract the smaller number, depending on its place. Here we add V to MCC and we will get MCCV. The Roman numeral V is 5. Therefore, the numeral of MCCV is 1205.
Students can make mistakes when studying Roman numerals. Here are a few common mistakes students make and ways to avoid them.
Find the sum of MCCV + C. Write the answer in Roman numerals.
The sum is MCCCIV
Convert both Roman numerals into their decimal form:
MCCV = 1205
C = 100
Now add both numbers: 1205 + 100 = 1305
Now convert the number into its Roman numeral: 1305 = 1000 (M) + 300 (CCC) + 5 (V) = MCCCIV
What is the difference between MCCV - LV? Write in Roman numerals.
The difference is MCL
Convert the Roman numerals into their decimal form:
MCCV = 1205
LV = 55
Now subtract the numbers: 1205 - 55 = 1150
Convert the number into its Roman numeral: 1150 = 1000 (M) + 100 (C) + 50 (L) = MCL
Divide MCCV by 5 and write the answer in Roman numerals.
CCXI
Convert MCCV into its decimal form:
MCCV = 1205
Divide by 5: 1205 / 5 = 241
Write 241 in Roman numerals: 241 = 200 (CC) + 40 (XL) + 1 (I) = CCXI
Find the product of MCCV and II.
MMCDX is the product of MCCV and II.
Write MCCV and II in numbers:
MCCV = 1205
II = 2
Multiply the numbers: 1205 × 2 = 2410
Convert 2410 into its Roman numerals: 2000 (MM) + 400 (CD) + 10 (X) = MMCDX
Convert MCCV into its decimal form.
In decimal form MCCV is 1205
Break MCCV into components:
M = 1000
CC = 200 (C + C)
V = 5
Add values: 1000 + 200 + 5 = 1205
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.