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

When you consider numbers currently, the first of all that springs to mind is the decimal method we utilize everyday. This method, however, is not the single approach to represent numbers. There are several systems utilized by different cultures worldwide that utilize all kinds of symbols. One such approach is Roman numbers.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numbers have been a way of writing numericals using a blend of letters 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 possibly why you have come across this blog.

Now, we are going to check out Roman numerals, what they are, how they operate, and how to transform Roman numerals to regular numbers.

What Are Roman Numbers?

Primarily, let's look at a brief look at the history of Roman numbers. Roman numericals were first used by the ancient Romans, as you may have predicted from the name. They were employed in many angles of the Roman world, including trade, architecture, and even war.

Presently, its widespread use is primarily due to artistic 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 number system consist of numericals utilizing a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are combined to create groups that depict numericals. Seven characters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, depicts the numbers 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, respectively. You can then blend these numbers to represent any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

While the decimal system is based on the ideas of place value, Roman numerals are based on linear and subtractive principles. This means that a Roman number's numeric values are based on the sum of the values of its particular parts. One more key distinction is that the decimal system is founded on the number 10. In comparison, Roman numbers are based on the numericals 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

Let's look at a few hands-on examples of Roman numbers.

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 includes a V in it. This is due to the fact number 5 in Roman numerals is portrayed by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we grasp that this is the 4th entry in the series using the properties we will discuss down the article.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the last to enter the original trilogy. Observing the value portrayed, it contains a V followed by an I. Thus, we will add a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, comprehending this Star Wars film is the 6th episode in the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

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

How to Convert from Roman Numbers to Regular Numbers

Considering we have the handy table of Roman numbers, we can utilize that information to change numbers back and forth quickly. Following these steps, you will transform these values at any time.

Steps to Change Roman numbers to Everyday Numericals

To change Roman numerals to decimal numbers, we will utilize the cumulative and subtractive principles we discussed.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

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

• If the Roman numerical to its right is higher in value, subtract the Roman numeral on the right from the Roman numeral to its left.

• All you should do now is repeat this method until you reach the end of the Roman numeral group.

Let's take a look how you can convert Roman numerals with a some examples.

Example 1

Consider the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Because 10 is lesser than 50, we add the both values and get 60.

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

• The Roman numeral to the right of X is V or 5. Since 5 is less than 70, we add 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 sum the two values and we find 76.

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

Example 2

Study the Roman number MCMIII.

• Initiate with the leftmost Roman numeral, that 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. Since 1 is less than 1900, we sum the both values and the result is 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 sum 1 to 1902 and we find 1903.

Given that we have arrived the end of the Roman number group, we stop here with our answer. Thus, the Roman number MCMIII is equal to the regular number 1903.

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

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