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

When you consider numbers currently, the first of all that springs to mind is the decimal method we use regularly. This system, however, is not the only fashion to portray numericals. There are many methods used by various cultures all over the world that use all kinds of symbols. One of approach is Roman numerals.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numbers have become a method of writing numbers using a combination of characters from the Latin alphabet. It remained throughout 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 blog.

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

What Are Roman Numbers?

First, let's take a quick look at the past of Roman numbers. Roman numericals were first utilized by the historic Romans, as you may have guessed from the name. They were utilized in many aspects of the Roman world, consisting of trade, architecture, and even war.

Currently, its main use is mainly attributed to artistic reasons. You might have observed 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 includes numbers employing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are blended to create groups that represent numbers. Seven characters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, depicts the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, respectively. You can then blend these numbers to represent any value in the number system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

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

Examples

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

The video game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we take a look at the numericals in the title, we see it includes a V in it. This is because the numerical 5 in Roman number is portrayed by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we grasp that this is the 4th entry in the series employing the properties we will discuss down the article.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the latest to enter the original trilogy. Observing the value represented, it includes a V ensued 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 to enter 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 process easy, here is a chart with all Latin characters with allocated numeric values.

How to Transform from Roman Numerals to Decimal Numbers

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

Steps to Convert Roman numerals to Regular Numericals

To convert Roman numerals to decimal numericals, we will utilize the additive 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 both values.

• If the Roman numerical to its right is greater in value, subtract the Roman number on the right from the Roman numeral to its left.

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

Let's see how you can transform Roman numbers with a some examples.

Example 1

Study the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Start at the leftmost Roman number, that 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 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 get 75.

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

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

Example 2

Take into account the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Initiate with the leftmost Roman number, which 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 means 900.

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

• The Roman number to the right of I is I again. We sum 1 to 1901 and get 1902.

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

Given that we have arrived the end of the Roman number group, we stop here with our answer. So, the Roman numeral MCMIII is equivalent to the regular number 1903.

With this knowledge and a little practice, you will change Roman numbers to regular numbers like an expert!

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