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

When you consider numericals nowadays, the first of all that springs to mind is the decimal method we use everyday. This system, however, is not the single fashion to represent numbers. There are many methods utilized by distinct cultures worldwide that use all sorts of symbols. One of approach is Roman numerals.

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

Now, we are gonna to walkthrough Roman numbers, definition, how they work, and how to transform Roman numbers to regular numbers.

What Are Roman Numbers?

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

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

The Roman number approach includes numbers employing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are blended to form groups that depict numericals. Seven alphabets, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, symbolizes the numbers 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, respectively. You can then combine these numbers to portray any value in the number system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

Although the decimal system is established on the concept of place value, Roman numerals are based on linear and subtractive principles. This means that a Roman number's numeric values are based on the sum of the values of its particular parts. Another important distinction is that the decimal system is founded on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numbers are founded on the numbers 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 look at the numericals in the name, we see it consist of a V in it. This is due to the fact numerical 5 in Roman numerals is described by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we grasp that this is the 4th to enter in the series employing the characteristics we will discuss subsequently in the article.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the last entry in the original trilogy. Looking at the value represented, it includes a V ensued by an I. Hence, we will sum 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 important to comprehend the numeric value of all the characters. To assist you make this process easy, here is a chart with all Latin characters with defined number values.

How to Convert from Roman Numerals to Decimal Numbers

Considering we have the convenient table of Roman numbers, we can use that data to transform numbers back and forth promptly. Following these steps, you will convert these values whenever you want.

Steps to Transform Roman numbers to Decimal Numericals

To convert Roman numbers to regular 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 smaller in value, then add the two values.

• If the Roman number to its right is greater in value, deduct the Roman numeral on the right from the Roman numbers to its left.

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

Let's take a look how you can convert Roman numerals with a few examples.

Example 1

Take a look at the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman number to its right is X or 10. Since 10 is lesser 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 get 70.

• The Roman numeral to the right of X is V or 5. Since 5 is less than 70, we sum 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 both values and the result is 76.

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

Example 2

Consider the Roman number MCMIII.

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

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

• The Roman numeral to the right of M is I or 1. Considering 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 get 1902.

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

Given that we have reached the end of the Roman number group, we halt here with our result. So, the Roman number MCMIII is as same as the regular number 1903.

With this information and a some practice, you will convert Roman numerals to decimal numbers like a professional!

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