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

While you think about numbers at present, the first of all that comes to mind is the decimal method we use daily. This method, however, is not the only fashion to depict numbers. There are a lot of methods utilized by distinct cultures around the world that utilize all sorts of characters. Classified among many one of the method is Roman numbers.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numerals have become a method of writing numbers using a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. It remained across the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still learned in school, which is perhaps why you have come across this article.

Now, we are going to walkthrough Roman numbers, what they are, how they work, and how to transform Roman numerals to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numbers?

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

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

The Roman numeral approach represents numericals using a combination of letters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are blended to make groups that portray numericals. Seven alphabets, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, symbolizes the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, separately. You can then combine these numbers to portray any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

While the decimal system is established on the ideas of place value, Roman numbers are founded on additive and subtractive principles. This refers that a Roman numeral's numeric values are based on the sum of the values of its individual parts. One more important difference is that the decimal approach is based on the number 10. In comparison, 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 numbers.

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we take a 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 described by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Thus, we understand that this is the 4th to enter in the series utilizing the properties we will discuss further ahead.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the last to enter the original trilogy. Observing the value portrayed, it includes a V followed by an I. Thus, we will include a 1 to the value of V, that 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 know the numeric value of all the characters. To guide make this function easy, here is a chart with every Latin characters with assigned number values.

How to Change from Roman Numbers to Regular Numbers

Now that we have the handy table of Roman numbers, we can utilize that data to change numbers back and forth simply. Following these steps, you will change these values whenever you want.

Steps to Transform Roman numbers to Regular Numbers

To change Roman numerals to decimal numericals, we will use the cumulative and subtractive principles we went through.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

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

• If the Roman numerical to its right is more 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 process until you arrive at the end of the Roman number group.

Let's check out how you can transform Roman numerals with a few examples.

Example 1

Consider the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral, which is L or 50.

• The Roman number to its right is X or 10. Since 10 is lesser than 50, we sum the two values and get 60.

• The Roman number to the right of X is X again. We sum 10 to 60 and the result is 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 sum the two values and we find 76.

We cease here at the end of the Roman numeral group. Therefore, the Roman number LXXVI is equal to the regular number 76.

Example 2

Study the Roman number MCMIII.

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

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

• The Roman numeral to the right of M is I or 1. Since 1 is less than 1900, we add the two values and get 1901.

• The Roman number to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1901 and the result is 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 halt here with our answer. So, the Roman numeral MCMIII is as same as the decimal number 1903.

With this data and a some practice, you will transform Roman numerals to decimal numbers like a pro!

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