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

While you consider numericals currently, the first thing that springs to mind is the decimal system we utilize regularly. This method, however, is not the single way to depict numericals. There are a lot of systems utilized by different cultures worldwide that utilize all types of characters. One of system is Roman numbers.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numerals have been a method of expressing numericals using a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. It existed during the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the extend it is still learned in school, that is perhaps why you have stumbled upon this blog.

Now, we are gonna to look at Roman numerals, what they are, how they work, and how to transform Roman numbers to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

Primarily, let's look at a quick look at the history of Roman numerals. Roman numericals were first used by the historic Romans, as you might have guessed from the name. They were utilized in several angles of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even war.

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

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

Meaning of the Roman numerals

Even though the decimal system is based on the concept of place value, Roman numerals are founded on cumulative and subtractive principles. This refers that a Roman number's numeric values are founded on the sum of the values of its individual parts. Another key distinction is that the decimal system 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 take a look at a few practical examples of Roman numerals.

The electronic game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we observe the numericals in the name, we see it has a V in it. This is due to the fact numerical 5 in Roman numerals is portrayed by the letter 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 further ahead.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the last to enter the original trilogy. Observing the value described, it contains a V followed by an I. Therefore, we will add a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, concluding this Star Wars movie is the 6th episode in the series.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numbers, it is essential to comprehend the numeric value of all the letters. To assist you make this process easy, here is a chart with all Latin alphabets with assigned number values.

How to Transform from Roman Numerals to Regular Numericals

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

Steps to Change Roman numbers to Everyday Numericals

To transform Roman numbers to everyday numericals, we will utilize the linear and subtractive principles we discussed.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

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

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

• All you must do now is replicate this method until you reach the end of the Roman number group.

Let's see how you can convert Roman numbers with a some 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. Considering 10 is less than 50, we sum the both 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 add the both values and the result is 75.

• The Roman numeral to the right of V is I or 1. Considering 1 is less than 75, we sum the both values and we find 76.

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

Example 2

Consider the Roman number MCMIII.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral, which 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 stands at 900.

• The Roman number to the right of M is I or 1. Considering 1 is less than 1900, we sum the both values and get 1901.

• The Roman numeral to the right of I is I again. We sum 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 arrived the end of the Roman number group, we stop here with our answer. Therefore, the Roman number MCMIII is equivalent to the decimal number 1903.

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

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