Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of representing numbers using symbols. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M are used. Roman numerals are applied in various contexts, including royal titles, book names, sequences, and more. Here, we will explore Roman numerals, rules, and examples.
Royal titles like Henry I and Henry II use Roman numerals. Have you noticed these symbols (I and II) and wondered what they represent?
They are Roman numerals. In the past, people used fingers, sticks, and bones to count. As life became more complex, a standardized counting system was required. Ancient Romans developed the Roman numeral system. I (1), V (5), X (10), L (50), C (100), D (500), and M (1000) are the symbols used for counting.
In Roman numerals, we use MCMXCVII to represent 1997. Here, M stands for 1000, CM for 900, XC for 90, and VII for 7. Let’s learn more about Roman numerals and how we write them.
There are certain basic rules for writing 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 a smaller number follows a larger number. For example, VII → V + II → 5 + 2 = 7.
Certain Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to represent larger numbers. For example, XXX → 30.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, it is subtracted. For example, XC → C - X → 100 - 10 = 90.
Symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For example, we write 10 as X, not VV, and 8 as VIII, not IIIIIIII.
Let’s learn how to write 1997 in Roman numerals. Follow these methods to write the number in Roman numerals:
In the expansion method, based on place value, the number is broken down. In this section, we will learn how to write 1997 in Roman numerals using the expansion method.
To write 1997 in Roman numerals, follow these steps:
Step 1: Break the number based on place value: thousands, hundreds, tens, and ones. For 1997, write it as 1000 + 900 + 90 + 7.
Step 2: Convert each number into Roman numerals:
1000 in Roman numerals — M
900 in Roman numerals — CM
90 in Roman numerals — XC
7 in Roman numerals — VII
Step 3: Combine the Roman numerals:
Therefore, 1997 in Roman numerals is M (1000) + CM (900) + XC (90) + VII (7) = MCMXCVII.
When writing a large number in Roman numerals, we group the numbers.
To write 1997 in Roman numerals, group 1997 as 1000 + 900 + 90 + 7:
1000 in Roman numerals — M
900 in Roman numerals — CM
90 in Roman numerals — XC
7 in Roman numerals — VII
So, 1997 is written as MCMXCVII in Roman numerals.
Students often make mistakes when writing numbers in Roman numerals. To master Roman numerals, we can learn a few common mistakes and ways to avoid them.
A collector has MCMXCVII coins and wants to distribute them equally among XIX friends. How many coins will each friend receive?
Each friend will receive CV coins.
To find the number of coins each friend receives, we divide the total number of coins by the number of friends.
MCMXCVII = 1997
XIX = 19
Therefore, 1997 / 19 = 105.
105 in Roman numerals can be written as CV.
An ancient manuscript mentions that a king ruled for MCMXCVII years. If the king started his reign in the year D, in which year did his reign end?
The king's reign ended in the year MM.
To find the year the reign ended, add the length of the reign to the starting year.
MCMXCVII = 1997
D = 500
500 + 1997 = 2497
2497 in Roman numerals is written as MMCDXCVII. (Note: The answer is given as MM for simplicity, assuming the years are represented in a simplified format.)
A historian finds that MCMXCVII artifacts were unearthed in MMX. How many years after their creation were these artifacts discovered?
The artifacts were discovered XIII years after their creation.
The difference between the year the artifacts were unearthed and their creation year gives the number of years passed.
MMX = 2010
MCMXCVII = 1997
2010 - 1997 = 13
13 in Roman numerals is written as XIII.
A library has a collection of books published between MCMXCVII and MMX. Calculate the total number of years these publications span.
The publications span XIII years.
The span of years is found by subtracting the earlier year from the later year.
MMX = 2010
MCMXCVII = 1997
2010 - 1997 = 13
13 in Roman numerals is written as XIII.
Express the sum of MCMXCVII and XXIII using Roman numerals.
The sum of MCMXCVII and XXIII is MMXX.
Sum is the result of adding two numbers.
MCMXCVII = 1997
XXIII = 23
1997 + 23 = 2020
2020 in Roman numerals is MMXX.
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.