Roman Numbers - Rules, Chart | What Are Roman Numbers?

When you think about numbers at present, the first thing that springs to mind is the decimal system we use regularly. This method, however, is not the only approach to depict numbers. There are multiple approaches utilized by distinct cultures worldwide that utilize all sorts of symbols. Classified among many one of the method is Roman numerals.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numerals have been a way of writing numericals using a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. It persisted across the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the extend it is still taught in school, that is perhaps why you have come across this post.

Now, we are gonna to check out Roman numbers, what they are, how they work, and how to change Roman numbers to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

First, let's check a quick look at the history of Roman numbers. Roman numericals were first used by the ancient Romans, as you may have expected from the name. They were utilized in many angles of the Roman world, consisting of trade, architecture, and even warfare.

Presently, its widespread use is primarily attributed to aesthetic reasons. You might have observed Roman numerals as hour marks on a clock, copyright dates, page numbering, chapter numbers, or in movie sequels (e.g., The Godfather Part III).

The Roman numeral system consist of numericals utilizing a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are blended to form groups that depict numbers. Seven letters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, represent the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, separately. You can then blend these numericals to portray any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

While the decimal system is based on the concept of place value, Roman numbers are established on additive and subtractive principles. This means that a Roman number's numeric values are established on the sum of the values of its particular parts. Another major distinction is that the decimal method is established on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numerals are established on the numericals 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

Let's look at a few practical examples of Roman numerals.

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades as early as 2008. If we observe the numericals in the name, we see it consist of a V in it. This is because the numerical 5 in Roman number is portrayed by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Therefore, we grasp that this is the 4th entry in the series employing the properties we will talk about subsequently in the article.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the latest to enter the original trilogy. Observing the value described, it comprises a V followed by an I. Thus, we will add a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, letting us know this Star Wars movie is the 6th episode in the series.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is essential to know the numeric value of all the characters. To help make this process easy, here is a chart with every Latin characters with allocated number values.

How to Convert from Roman Numbers to Everyday Numbers

Since we have the convenient table of Roman numbers, we can use that information to change numericals back and forth quickly. Following these steps, you will transform these values any time you want.

Steps to Change Roman numbers to Decimal Numericals

To convert Roman numbers to everyday numericals, we will utilize the cumulative and subtractive principles we talked about.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

• If the Roman numeral to its right is lesser in value, then add the both values.

• If the Roman number to its right is greater in value, deduct the Roman numeral on the right out of the Roman numbers to its left.

• All you should do now is repeat this method unless you arrive at the end of the Roman numeral group.

Let's see how you can convert Roman numbers with a few examples.

Example 1

Consider the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral, which is L or 50.

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Considering 10 is less than 50, we sum the both values and get 60.

• The Roman numeral to the right of X is X again. We add 10 to 60 and find 70.

• The Roman numeral to the right of X is V or 5. Since 5 is less than 70, we sum the two values and get 75.

• The Roman numeral to the right of V is I or 1. Since 1 is less than 75, we add the two values and the result is 76.

We stop here at the end of the Roman numeral group. Therefore, the Roman numeral LXXVI is as same as the regular number 76.

Example 2

Take into account the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral, that is M or 1000.

• The Roman number to its right is C or 100. Because 100 is less than 1000, and it is followed by an M, this value stands at 900.

• The Roman numeral to the right of M is I or 1. Because 1 is less than 1900, we add the both values and we find 1901.

• The Roman number to the right of I is I again. We sum 1 to 1901 and the result is 1902.

• The Roman numeral to the right of I is I again. We sum 1 to 1902 and get 1903.

Since we have arrived the end of the Roman numeral group, we halt here with our answer. So, the Roman number MCMIII is equivalent to the regular number 1903.

With this data and a some practice, you will change Roman numerals to regular numbers like an expert!

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