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

When you imagine numbers at present, the first thing that springs to mind is the decimal method we use regularly. This method, however, is not the only fashion to represent numericals. There are several methods utilized by different cultures around the world that use all sorts of characters. One such method is Roman numbers.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numbers have been a method of expressing numbers utilizing 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 stumbled upon this blog.

Today, we are going to walkthrough Roman numbers, definition, how they work, and how to convert Roman numerals to ordinary numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

First, let's check a quick look at the history of Roman numerals. Roman numbers were first used by the ancient Romans, as you may have predicted from the name. They were used in multiple aspects of the Roman world, consisting of trade, architecture, and even warfare.

Nowadays, its widespread use is primarily because of its aesthetic reasons. You might have observed 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 approach consist of numbers employing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are combined to form groups that portray numericals. Seven letters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, depicts the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, separately. You can then combine these numericals to depict any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

While the decimal system is based on the concept of place value, Roman numbers are based on cumulative and subtractive principles. This refers that a Roman number's numeric values are based on the sum of the values of its particular parts. One more major difference is that the decimal system is established on the number 10. In comparison, Roman numerals are based on the numericals 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

Let's check out a few practical examples of Roman numbers.

The electronic game street fighter IV was released in arcades as early as 2008. If we observe the numericals in the name, we see it consist of a V in it. This is due to the fact numerical 5 in Roman number is portrayed by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we understand that this is the 4th entry in the series utilizing the properties we will talk about down the article.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the latest entry in the original trilogy. Observing the value represented, it comprises a V followed by an I. Thus, we will sum a 1 to the value of V, that is 5, comprehending this Star Wars film is the 6th entry in the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is essential to comprehend the numeric value of all the characters. To guide make this operation easy, here is a chart with every Latin alphabets with defined numeric values.

How to Change from Roman Numbers to Regular Numericals

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

Steps to Change Roman numerals to Regular Numbers

To change Roman numerals to decimal numericals, we will utilize the linear and subtractive principles we discussed.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

• If the Roman number to its right is lesser in value, then add the two values.

• If the Roman numerical to its right is greater in value, deduct the Roman number on the right out of the Roman numeral to its left.

• All you must do now is repeat this process unless you reach the end of the Roman numeral group.

Let's take a look how you can change Roman numerals with a some examples.

Example 1

Take a look at 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. Since 10 is less than 50, we sum the two values and get 60.

• The Roman numeral to the right of X is X again. We add 10 to 60 and the result is 70.

• The Roman numeral to the right of X is V or 5. Considering 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. Since 1 is less than 75, we sum the two values and the result is 76.

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

Example 2

Study the Roman number MCMIII.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral, that is M or 1000.

• The Roman number to its right is C or 100. Considering 100 is less than 1000, and it is followed by an M, this value refers to 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 numeral to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1901 and get 1902.

• The Roman numeral to the right of I is I again. We add 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. Therefore, the Roman number MCMIII is equal to the decimal number 1903.

With this knowledge and a some practice, you will transform Roman numbers to regular numbers like a pro!

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