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

While you think about numbers currently, the first thing that pops in your head is the decimal system we utilize everyday. This system, however, is not the only way to depict numericals. There are many methods utilized by different cultures worldwide that use all kinds of symbols. One such method is Roman numerals.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numbers have become a method of expressing numericals utilizing a combination of letters from the Latin alphabet. It remained throughout the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still educated in school, which is possibly why you have come across this blog.

Today, we are going to walkthrough Roman numerals, definition, how they function, and how to transform Roman numbers to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

First, let's take a quick look at the past of Roman numbers. Roman numbers were initially used by the ancient Romans, as you might have predicted from the name. They were employed in many angles of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even war.

Nowadays, its main use is primarily attributed 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 includes numbers employing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are mixed to create groups that portray numericals. Seven characters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, symbolizes the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, respectively. 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 numerals are founded on additive and subtractive principles. This states that a Roman numeral's numeric values are founded on the sum of the values of its individual parts. Another key difference is that the decimal method is based on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numerals are based on the numbers 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

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

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades as early as 2008. If we look at the number in the title, we see it consist of a V in it. This is because the number 5 in Roman number is described by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Thus, we grasp that this is the 4th to enter in the series using the characteristics we will speak on down the article.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the latest entry in the original trilogy. Observing the value portrayed, it contains a V followed by an I. Thus, we will add 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 numerals, it is essential to get a grasp of the numeric value of all the letters. To guide make this function easy, here is a chart with every Latin letters 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 use that data to transform numbers back and forth quickly. Following these steps, you will transform these values any time you want.

Steps to Change Roman numerals to Everyday Numericals

To convert Roman numerals to regular numericals, we will use the additive and subtractive principles we discussed.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

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

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

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

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

Example 1

Take a look at the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Because 10 is less 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. Because 5 is less than 70, we sum the both values and get 75.

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

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

Example 2

Consider the Roman numeral MCMIII.

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

• The Roman numeral 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. Because 1 is less than 1900, we add the two values and we find 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 sum 1 to 1902 and we find 1903.

Since we have reached the end of the Roman numeral group, we stop here with our answer. So, the Roman number MCMIII is as same as the regular number 1903.

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

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