What does dcxcvii mean in Roman Numerals?

Answer 1

Add together the individual numerals (M = 1000, D = 500, C = 100, L = 50, X = 10, V = 5, I = 1) unless a smaller numeral precedes a larger one in which case subtract it from the larger ones.

→ DCXCVII = 500 + 100 + (-10 + 100) + 5 + 1 + 1 = 697

Answer 2

D represents 500, C represents 100, X represents 10, I is 1 and V represents 5. So this would be 697.