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

While you imagine numericals at present, the first of all that comes to mind is the decimal method we utilize daily. This system, however, is not the only approach to depict numericals. There are a lot of approaches used by different cultures all over the world that utilize all types of symbols. Classified among many one of the approach is Roman numerals.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numbers have become a method of writing numericals using a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. It persisted during the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still educated in school, which is perhaps why you have come across this post.

Today, we are gonna to walkthrough Roman numerals, definition, how they work, and how to change Roman numbers to regular numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

Primarily, let's look at a quick look at the history of Roman numerals. Roman numericals were initially utilized by the historic Romans, as you may have expected from the name. They were employed in many angles of the Roman world, consisting of business, architecture, and even warfare.

Nowadays, its widespread use is primarily attributed to artistic reasons. You might have seen Roman numerals as hour marks on a clock, copyright dates, page numbering, chapter numbers, or in movie sequels (e.g., The Godfather Part II).

The Roman numeral approach consist of numericals utilizing a blend of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are mixed to form groups that depict numbers. 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 numbers to portray any value in the number system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

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

Examples

Let's look at a few practical 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 due to the fact number 5 in Roman numerals is described by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we comprehend that this is the 4th to enter in the series using the properties we will discuss down the article.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the latest entry in the original trilogy. Observing the value portrayed, it comprises a V ensued by an I. Therefore, we will include 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 crucial to get a grasp of the numeric value of all the letters. To guide make this process easy, here is a chart with all Latin characters with allocated numeric values.

How to Transform from Roman Numbers to Regular Numericals

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

Steps to Transform Roman numbers to Decimal Numericals

To transform Roman numbers to everyday numericals, we will utilize the linear and subtractive principles we talked about.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

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

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

• All you must do now is repeat this method unless you arrive at the end of the Roman numeral group.

Let's see how you can change Roman numbers 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. Since 10 is less 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 get 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 get 75.

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

We stop here at the end of the Roman number group. Consequently, the Roman numeral LXXVI is equivalent to the regular number 76.

Example 2

Take into account the Roman number MCMIII.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral, which is M or 1000.

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

• The Roman number to the right of M is I or 1. Since 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 we find 1902.

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

Since we have arrived the end of the Roman number group, we stop here with our result. Thus, the Roman number MCMIII is equal to the decimal number 1903.

With this data and a little practice, you will change Roman numerals to decimal numbers like a professional!

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