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

While you consider numbers at present, the first thing that springs to mind is the decimal system we use daily. This system, however, is not the only fashion to depict numericals. There are a lot of approaches utilized by distinct cultures all over the world that use all sorts of symbols. One such approach is Roman numerals.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numbers have become a method of writing numericals utilizing a blend of letters 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 post.

Today, we are going to walkthrough Roman numerals, what they are, how they function, and how to change Roman numerals to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numbers?

Primarily, let's look at a brief look at the past of Roman numerals. Roman numericals were first used by the ancient Romans, as you might have expected from the name. They were used in many angles of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even warfare.

Currently, its main use is primarily due to aesthetic reasons. You may have observed Roman numbers as hour marks on a clock, page numbering, chapter numbers, copyright dates, or in film sequels (e.g., The Godfather Part III).

The Roman number system represents numbers using a combination of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are mixed to form groups that represent numericals. Seven alphabets, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, represent the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, individually. You can then combine these numericals to depict any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

While the decimal system is founded on the concept of place value, Roman numerals are founded on additive 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 system is established on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numbers are based on the numbers 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

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

The electronic game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we look at the numericals in the title, we see it includes 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. Thus, we grasp that this is the 4th entry in the series using the characteristics we will talk about further ahead.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the last to enter the original trilogy. Looking at the value described, it includes a V ensued by an I. Hence, we will include a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, comprehending this Star Wars film is the 6th episode in the series.

Roman Numerals Chart

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

How to Transform from Roman Numbers to Decimal Numericals

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

Steps to Change Roman numbers to Everyday Numericals

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

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

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

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

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

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

Example 1

Study the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Because 10 is less than 50, we sum the two 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 number to the right of X is V or 5. Because 5 is less than 70, we add the both values and we find 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 cease here at the end of the Roman number group. Consequently, the Roman number LXXVI is as same as the regular number 76.

Example 2

Take into account the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Begin 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 number to the right of M is I or 1. Because 1 is less than 1900, we add the two values and get 1901.

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

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

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

With this information and a little practice, you will change Roman numerals to decimal numbers like a professional!

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