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

While you imagine numbers at present, the first thing that pops in your head is the decimal method we utilize regularly. This system, however, is not the single fashion to depict numericals. There are multiple methods utilized by distinct cultures around the world that use all sorts of symbols. Classified among many one of the approach is Roman numerals.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numerals have become a way of expressing numericals using a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. It existed across the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still learned in school, which is possibly why you have stumbled upon this post.

Today, we are going to look at Roman numbers, definition, how they operate, and how to change Roman numbers to ordinary numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

First, let's check a brief look at the history of Roman numbers. Roman numericals were first used by the historic Romans, as you might have guessed from the name. They were used in multiple aspects of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even war.

Presently, its extensive use is primarily because of its aesthetic reasons. You might 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 numeral approach consist of numericals employing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are combined to form groups that represent numbers. Seven letters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, symbolizes the numbers 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, separately. You can then combine these numericals to portray any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

While the decimal system is founded on the ideas of place value, Roman numbers are established on linear and subtractive principles. This means 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 established on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numbers are established on the numericals 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

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

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we take a look at the numericals in the title, we see it has a V in it. This is because the numerical 5 in Roman numerals is described by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we understand that this is the 4th to enter in the series employing the characteristics we will discuss subsequently in the article.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the last to enter the original trilogy. Observing the value represented, it comprises a V ensued by an I. Therefore, we will add a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, concluding this Star Wars movie is the 6th episode in the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numbers, it is essential to know the numeric value of all the characters. To assist you make this process easy, here is a chart with every Latin letters with assigned numeric values.

How to Change from Roman Numbers to Everyday Numericals

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

Steps to Convert Roman numbers to Decimal Numbers

To convert Roman numbers to everyday numbers, we will use the additive and subtractive principles we talked about.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

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

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

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

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

Example 1

Take a look at the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Initiate with the leftmost Roman numeral, which is L or 50.

• The Roman number to its right is X or 10. Because 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 numeral to the right of X is V or 5. Because 5 is less than 70, we add the both values and get 75.

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

We cease here at the end of the Roman numeral group. Consequently, the Roman number LXXVI is equal to the regular number 76.

Example 2

Take into account the Roman numeral MCMIII.

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

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

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

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

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

Because we have arrived the end of the Roman numeral group, we stop here with our answer. So, the Roman numeral MCMIII is equal to the regular number 1903.

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

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