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 everyday. This system, however, is not the single way to portray numbers. There are many approaches used by distinct cultures worldwide that use all sorts of symbols. One of approach is Roman numbers.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numerals have been a way of writing numericals utilizing a combination of characters from the Latin alphabet. It persisted during the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still learned in school, which is probably why you have come across this blog.

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

What Are Roman Numerals?

Primarily, let's look at a brief look at the past of Roman numerals. Roman numbers were initially utilized by the historic Romans, as you might have predicted from the name. They were utilized in multiple aspects of the Roman world, consisting of trade, architecture, and even war.

Currently, its main use is mainly because of its artistic reasons. You might have observed Roman numerals 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 system includes numericals using a combination of letters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are combined to form groups that portray numbers. Seven letters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, represent the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, individually. You can then mix these numbers to represent any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

Even though the decimal system is established on the ideas of place value, Roman numerals are established on cumulative and subtractive principles. This refers that a Roman numeral's numeric values are founded on the sum of the values of its particular parts. Another major distinction is that the decimal system is founded on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numerals 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 look at the numericals in the title, 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 utilizing the properties we will talk about subsequently in the article.

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

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is crucial to understand the numeric value of all the letters. To assist you make this process easy, here is a chart with all Latin letters with defined numeric values.

How to Convert from Roman Numbers to Decimal Numericals

Now that we have the convenient table of Roman numerals, we can use that data to change numbers back and forth simply. Following these steps, you will change these values whenever you want.

Steps to Change Roman numbers to Decimal Numericals

To change Roman numerals to regular numbers, we will utilize the cumulative and subtractive principles we talked about.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

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

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

• All you should do now is repeat this method unless you reach the end of the Roman number group.

Let's check out how you can transform Roman numbers with a few examples.

Example 1

Consider the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Since 10 is lesser than 50, we add the both values and get 60.

• The Roman number to the right of X is X again. We sum 10 to 60 and find 70.

• The Roman number to the right of X is V or 5. Since 5 is less than 70, we add the two values and we find 75.

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

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

Example 2

Take into account the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Begin 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 stands at 900.

• The Roman numeral to the right of M is I or 1. Since 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 add 1 to 1901 and the result is 1902.

• The Roman number to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1902 and get 1903.

Because we have reached the end of the Roman numeral group, we stop here with our answer. Thus, the Roman number MCMIII is equal to the regular number 1903.

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

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