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

While you think about numericals currently, the first thing that springs to mind is the decimal system we utilize daily. This system, however, is not the single approach to represent numbers. There are multiple approaches utilized by distinct cultures worldwide that use all kinds of symbols. One such approach is Roman numerals.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numerals have been a way of expressing numericals utilizing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. It remained throughout the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still taught in school, which is perhaps why you have stumbled upon this blog.

Today, we are going to look at Roman numerals, what they are, how they function, and how to change Roman numerals to ordinary numbers.

What Are Roman Numbers?

First, let's check a quick look at the history of Roman numbers. Roman numericals were initially used by the historic Romans, as you may have predicted from the name. They were employed in several aspects of the Roman world, consisting of trade, architecture, and even war.

Presently, its main use is primarily due to aesthetic reasons. You might have observed Roman numbers 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 represents numericals utilizing a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are blended to form groups that depict numbers. Seven alphabets, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, represent the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, respectively. You can then mix 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 established on linear and subtractive principles. This states that a Roman number's numeric values are based on the sum of the values of its particular parts. Another major difference is that the decimal method is established on the number 10. In comparison, Roman numerals are based on the numericals 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

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

The video game street fighter IV was released in arcades as early as 2008. If we observe the number in the name, we see it includes a V in it. This is due to the fact number 5 in Roman number is represented by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Therefore, we grasp that this is the 4th to enter in the series using the properties we will discuss further ahead.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the last to enter the original trilogy. Looking at the value represented, it comprises a V ensued by an I. Therefore, we will sum a 1 to the value of V, that is 5, comprehending this Star Wars film is the 6th to enter the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is crucial to get a grasp of the numeric value of all the characters. To guide make this process easy, here is a chart with every Latin letters with allocated number values.

How to Transform from Roman Numbers to Everyday Numericals

Considering we have the convenient 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 Decimal Numericals

To convert Roman numbers to decimal numericals, we will use the additive and subtractive principles we went through.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

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

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

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

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

Example 1

Consider the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Considering 10 is lesser than 50, we add the two 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 number to the right of X is V or 5. Since 5 is less than 70, we sum the both values and get 75.

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

We cease here at the end of the Roman number group. Therefore, the Roman number LXXVI is as same as the decimal number 76.

Example 2

Take into account the Roman number MCMIII.

• Start at the leftmost Roman number, which is M or 1000.

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

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

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

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

Given that we have reached the end of the Roman numeral group, we stop here with our answer. So, the Roman numeral MCMIII is equivalent to the regular number 1903.

With this knowledge and a little practice, you will transform Roman numbers to regular numbers like a professional!

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