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

When you consider numbers currently, the first of all that comes to mind is the decimal method we utilize daily. This method, however, is not the only approach to represent numbers. There are multiple methods utilized by distinct cultures around the world that utilize all sorts of symbols. Classified among many one of the approach is Roman numbers.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numerals have been a way of writing numbers using a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. It existed throughout the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still educated in school, that is perhaps why you have come across this blog.

Now, we are going to check out Roman numbers, definition, 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 initially utilized by the historic Romans, as you may have guessed from the name. They were utilized in several aspects of the Roman world, consisting of business, architecture, and even war.

Nowadays, its extensive use is primarily attributed 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 II).

The Roman numeral approach represents numbers using a combination of letters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are mixed to make groups that represent numericals. Seven characters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, symbolizes the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, respectively. 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 ideas of place value, Roman numerals are established on additive and subtractive principles. This states 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 contrast, Roman numbers are based on the numbers 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

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

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we take a look at the number in the name, we see it has a V in it. This is due to the fact number 5 in Roman numerals is described by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Thus, we comprehend that this is the 4th to enter in the series employing the characteristics we will speak on down the article.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the last to enter the original trilogy. Observing the value described, it comprises a V ensued by an I. Thus, we will add a 1 to the value of V, that is 5, concluding this Star Wars movie is the 6th episode in the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is essential to know the numeric value of all the letters. To assist you make this operation easy, here is a chart with all Latin characters with defined number values.

How to Change from Roman Numerals to Decimal Numericals

Now that we have the convenient table of Roman numbers, we can use that information to transform numbers back and forth promptly. Following these steps, you will change these values at any time.

Steps to Change Roman numerals to Regular Numericals

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

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

• If the Roman number 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 from the Roman numbers to its left.

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

Let's see 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, which 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 numeral to the right of X is X again. We add 10 to 60 and find 70.

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

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

Example 2

Consider the Roman number MCMIII.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral, which is M or 1000.

• The Roman numeral to its right is C or 100. Since 100 is less than 1000, and it is followed by an M, this value means 900.

• The Roman numeral to the right of M is I or 1. Because 1 is less than 1900, we add 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 number to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1902 and the answer is 1903.

Since we have arrived the end of the Roman numeral group, we halt here with our answer. Therefore, the Roman number MCMIII is as same as the regular number 1903.

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

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