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

When you consider numericals currently, the first thing that comes to mind is the decimal method we utilize regularly. This method, however, is not the only fashion to depict numericals. There are multiple approaches used 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 method of expressing numericals using a mixture of letters from the Latin alphabet. It existed throughout 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 blog.

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

What Are Roman Numerals?

Primarily, let's take a quick look at the past of Roman numbers. Roman numericals were first used by the historic Romans, as you might have predicted from the name. They were utilized in several aspects of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even warfare.

Presently, 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 film sequels (e.g., The Godfather Part III).

The Roman numeral system includes numbers utilizing a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are combined to create groups that represent numericals. Seven letters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, depicts the numbers 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, individually. You can then combine these numbers to depict any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

Although the decimal system is established on the ideas of place value, Roman numbers are founded on cumulative 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 method is founded on the number 10. In comparison, Roman numerals are established on the numericals 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

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

The electronic game street fighter IV was released in arcades as early as 2008. If we take a look at the number in the name, we see it includes a V in it. This is due to the fact numerical 5 in Roman number is represented by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we grasp that this is the 4th to enter in the series using the characteristics we will talk about down the article.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the last to enter the original trilogy. Observing the value represented, it includes a V ensued by an I. Hence, we will add a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, letting us know this Star Wars movie is the 6th entry in the series.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is important to get a grasp of the numeric value of all the letters. To help make this function easy, here is a chart with every Latin letters with assigned numeric values.

How to Convert from Roman Numbers to Everyday Numbers

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

Steps to Transform Roman numerals to Decimal Numericals

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

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

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

• If the Roman numerical to its right is greater in value, deduct the Roman number on the right out of the Roman numbers 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 transform Roman numerals with a few 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. Because 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 numeral to the right of X is V or 5. Considering 5 is less than 70, we sum the two 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 get 76.

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

Example 2

Consider the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman number, that is M or 1000.

• The Roman numeral to its right is C or 100. Because 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. Because 1 is less than 1900, we sum 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 numeral to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1902 and get 1903.

Since we have reached the end of the Roman number group, we stop here with our result. So, the Roman number MCMIII is as same as the decimal number 1903.

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

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