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

While you imagine numericals at present, the first of all that comes to mind is the decimal method we utilize daily. This method, however, is not the only way to portray numbers. There are multiple systems used by different cultures all over the world that use all types of symbols. One of method is Roman numerals.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numerals have been a method of writing numericals utilizing a combination of characters from the Latin alphabet. It persisted during the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still learned in school, that is possibly why you have stumbled upon this blog.

Now, we are going to check out Roman numerals, definition, how they function, and how to transform Roman numerals to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

Primarily, let's look at a brief look at the history of Roman numerals. Roman numericals were initially utilized by the ancient Romans, as you may have expected from the name. They were utilized in several aspects of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even warfare.

Nowadays, its main use is primarily due to artistic reasons. You may have seen Roman numerals as hour marks on a clock, copyright dates, page numbering, chapter numbers, or in movie sequels (e.g., The Godfather Part II).

The Roman number system consist of numbers employing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are blended to form groups that depict numericals. Seven letters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, represent the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, individually. You can then blend these numericals to represent any value in the number system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

Even though the decimal system is based on the ideas of place value, Roman numbers are based on additive and subtractive principles. This states that a Roman numeral's numeric values are based on the sum of the values of its particular parts. Another important difference is that the decimal method is based on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numbers are founded on the numbers 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

Let's check out a few interactive examples of Roman numbers.

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades back in 2008. If we observe the numericals in the name, we see it has a V in it. This is due to the fact numerical 5 in Roman numerals is portrayed by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Therefore, we understand that this is the 4th to enter in the series employing the characteristics we will speak on subsequently in the article.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the latest entry in the original trilogy. Observing the value portrayed, it comprises a V followed by an I. Therefore, we will sum a 1 to the value of V, that is 5, comprehending this Star Wars movie is the 6th episode in the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is important to comprehend the numeric value of all the characters. To guide make this function easy, here is a chart with all Latin letters with assigned numeric values.

How to Change from Roman Numerals to Decimal Numericals

Since we have the handy table of Roman numerals, we can utilize that data to change numbers back and forth promptly. Following these steps, you will convert these values any time you want.

Steps to Change Roman numbers to Regular Numbers

To convert Roman numerals to everyday numericals, we will use the cumulative and subtractive principles we discussed.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

• If the Roman number to its right is smaller in value, then sum the both values.

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

• All you should do now is replicate this process unless you reach the end of the Roman number group.

Let's check out how you can transform Roman numerals with a some examples.

Example 1

Take a look at the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Initiate with the leftmost Roman number, that is L or 50.

• The Roman number to its right is X or 10. Considering 10 is lesser than 50, we sum the two values and get 60.

• The Roman number to the right of X is X again. We sum 10 to 60 and the result is 70.

• The Roman number to the right of X is V or 5. Considering 5 is less than 70, we add the both values and get 75.

• The Roman number to the right of V is I or 1. Considering 1 is less than 75, we sum the both values and get 76.

We stop here at the end of the Roman numeral group. Therefore, the Roman numeral LXXVI is equal to the decimal number 76.

Example 2

Consider the Roman numeral MCMIII.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is C or 100. Since 100 is less than 1000, and it is followed by an M, this value means 900.

• The Roman number to the right of M is I or 1. Considering 1 is less than 1900, we add the two values and the result is 1901.

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

• The Roman numeral to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1902 and we find 1903.

Because we have reached the end of the Roman number group, we stop here with our answer. Thus, the Roman number MCMIII is as same as the regular number 1903.

With this knowledge and a some practice, you will convert Roman numbers to regular numbers like an expert!

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