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

When you consider numbers nowadays, the first thing that pops in your head is the decimal method we utilize regularly. This method, however, is not the only approach to represent numbers. There are a lot of systems utilized by different cultures all over the world that utilize all sorts of characters. Classified among many one of the system is Roman numerals.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numerals have become a way of expressing numericals using a combination of letters from the Latin alphabet. It existed throughout the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still taught in school, which is possibly why you have come across this post.

Today, we are gonna to check out Roman numbers, definition, how they function, and how to convert Roman numerals to ordinary numbers.

What Are Roman Numbers?

Primarily, let's look at a quick look at the past of Roman numbers. Roman numbers were first utilized by the ancient Romans, as you might have predicted from the name. They were used in many angles of the Roman world, including trade, architecture, and even warfare.

Presently, its widespread use is primarily due to aesthetic 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 II).

The Roman number system represents numericals employing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are blended to make groups that represent numbers. Seven letters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, symbolizes the numbers 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, separately. You can then blend these numericals to portray 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 linear and subtractive principles. This states that a Roman numeral's numeric values are founded on the sum of the values of its individual parts. One more major distinction is that the decimal system is established on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numbers are founded on the numericals 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

Let's check out a few interactive examples of Roman numerals.

The video game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we observe the numericals in the name, we see it includes a V in it. This is due to the fact number 5 in Roman number is described by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we understand that this is the 4th entry in the series employing the properties we will talk about subsequently in the article.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the latest entry in the original trilogy. Looking at the value represented, it comprises a V followed by an I. Hence, we will sum a 1 to the value of V, that is 5, concluding this Star Wars film is the 6th episode in the series.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numbers, it is crucial to know the numeric value of all the characters. To guide make this function easy, here is a chart with every Latin letters with assigned numeric values.

How to Transform from Roman Numerals to Regular Numericals

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

Steps to Convert Roman numbers to Everyday Numbers

To transform Roman numbers to everyday numbers, we will use 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 number to its right is higher in value, deduct the Roman number on the right from the Roman numeral to its left.

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

Let's check out how you can change Roman numbers with a some examples.

Example 1

Study the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Initiate with the leftmost Roman number, that is L or 50.

• The Roman number to its right is X or 10. Because 10 is less than 50, we sum 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 both values and the result is 75.

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

We stop here at the end of the Roman numeral group. Hence, the Roman number LXXVI is as same as the regular number 76.

Example 2

Take into account the Roman numeral MCMIII.

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

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

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

• The Roman numeral 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 stop here with our answer. So, the Roman number MCMIII is as same as the decimal number 1903.

With this knowledge and a little practice, you will convert Roman numerals to regular numbers like a pro!

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