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

While you think about numbers nowadays, the first thing that comes to mind is the decimal system we utilize everyday. This method, however, is not the single way to portray numericals. There are multiple methods used by various cultures around the world that utilize all sorts of characters. Classified among many one of the method is Roman numbers.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numbers have been a way of expressing numbers utilizing a combination of characters from the Latin alphabet. It existed during the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still taught in school, that is probably why you have come across this blog.

Today, we are gonna to look at Roman numbers, definition, how they work, and how to convert Roman numerals to ordinary numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

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

Currently, its widespread use is primarily because of its artistic reasons. You may have observed Roman numerals as hour marks on a clock, page numbering, chapter numbers, copyright dates, or in movie sequels (e.g., The Godfather Part II).

The Roman number system consist of numbers using a combination 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, represent the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, separately. You can then mix these numericals to depict any value in the number system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

While the decimal system is established 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 major distinction is that the decimal system is founded on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numerals are based on the numbers 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

Let's check out a few hands-on examples of Roman numerals.

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades back in 2008. If we look at the number in the title, we see it consist of a V in it. This is due to the fact number 5 in Roman number is described by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Thus, we comprehend that this is the 4th entry in the series utilizing the properties we will discuss down the article.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the last entry in the original trilogy. Observing the value portrayed, it includes a V ensued by an I. Therefore, we will include a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, comprehending this Star Wars movie is the 6th episode in the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numbers, it is essential to comprehend the numeric value of all the letters. To guide make this process easy, here is a chart with all Latin letters with assigned number values.

How to Convert from Roman Numerals to Regular Numbers

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

Steps to Transform Roman numbers to Everyday Numericals

To transform Roman numbers to regular numbers, we will utilize the linear and subtractive principles we discussed.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

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

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

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

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

Example 1

Consider the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

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

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

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

• The Roman numeral to the right of V is I or 1. Because 1 is less than 75, we add the both values and we find 76.

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

Example 2

Consider the Roman number MCMIII.

• Initiate 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 followed by an M, this value stands at 900.

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

Because we have reached the end of the Roman numeral group, we halt here with our result. Therefore, the Roman number MCMIII is as same as the decimal number 1903.

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

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