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

While you imagine numericals nowadays, the first thing that comes to mind is the decimal method we use daily. This system, however, is not the only way to depict numericals. There are several methods utilized by distinct cultures worldwide that utilize all kinds of symbols. One of method is Roman numerals.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numbers have been a method of expressing numericals utilizing 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 stumbled upon this article.

Now, we are gonna to look at Roman numerals, definition, how they operate, and how to change Roman numbers to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numbers?

Primarily, let's check a brief look at the past of Roman numbers. Roman numbers were initially used by the ancient Romans, as you might have guessed from the name. They were utilized in several aspects of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even war.

Nowadays, its widespread use is mainly because of its artistic reasons. You may have seen Roman numerals 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 approach consist of numericals utilizing a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are mixed to make groups that portray numericals. Seven characters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, represent the numbers 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, individually. You can then blend these numericals to depict any value in the number system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

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

Examples

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

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we look at the numericals in the name, we see it consist of a V in it. This is due to the fact numerical 5 in Roman numerals is represented by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we grasp that this is the 4th to enter in the series employing the characteristics we will discuss further ahead.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the latest to enter the original trilogy. Looking at the value represented, it contains a V ensued by an I. Hence, we will sum a 1 to the value of V, that is 5, comprehending this Star Wars movie is the 6th entry in the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is crucial to understand the numeric value of all the letters. To help make this operation easy, here is a chart with all Latin characters with allocated number values.

How to Change from Roman Numbers to Decimal Numericals

Since we have the handy table of Roman numbers, we can use that information to change numericals back and forth promptly. Following these steps, you will change these values whenever you want.

Steps to Change Roman numbers to Decimal Numbers

To transform Roman numbers to decimal numbers, we will use the cumulative and subtractive principles we discussed.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral 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, subtract the Roman numeral on the right from the Roman numbers to its left.

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

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

Example 1

Study the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral, which 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 number to the right of X is X again. We sum 10 to 60 and get 70.

• The Roman numeral to the right of X is V or 5. Considering 5 is less than 70, we add the two values and we find 75.

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

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

Example 2

Consider the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman number, 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 refers to 900.

• The Roman numeral 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 numeral to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1901 and the result is 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 arrived the end of the Roman numeral group, we halt here with our result. So, the Roman number MCMIII is equal to the decimal number 1903.

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

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