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

When you imagine numbers nowadays, the first of all that pops in your head is the decimal system we use daily. This system, however, is not the only way to depict numbers. There are several approaches used by various cultures around the world that use all types of symbols. Classified among many one of the method is Roman numbers.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numbers have been a method of writing numbers using a combination of characters from the Latin alphabet. It remained during the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still taught in school, which is perhaps why you have come across this article.

Now, we are going to walkthrough Roman numerals, definition, how they work, and how to change Roman numbers to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

Primarily, let's take a quick look at the past of Roman numerals. Roman numericals were initially used by the historic Romans, as you may have predicted from the name. They were used in several angles of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even warfare.

Nowadays, its extensive use is primarily due to artistic 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 III).

The Roman numeral system includes numericals utilizing a blend of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are blended to make groups that portray numericals. 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 combine these numbers to represent any value in the number system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

Although the decimal system is established on the ideas of place value, Roman numbers are established on linear and subtractive principles. This states that a Roman number's numeric values are founded on the sum of the values of its particular parts. Another key difference is that the decimal method is based on the number 10. In contrast, Roman numerals are established on the numbers 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

Let's look at a few hands-on examples of Roman numerals.

The computer game street fighter IV was released in arcades back in 2008. If we take a look at the numericals in the title, we see it consist of a V in it. This is due to the fact number 5 in Roman numerals is represented by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Thus, we grasp that this is the 4th to enter in the series employing the characteristics we will discuss further ahead.

The film 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, that is 5, letting us know this Star Wars film is the 6th to enter the series.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is essential to comprehend the numeric value of all the letters. To assist you make this process easy, here is a chart with every Latin alphabets with allocated numeric values.

How to Transform from Roman Numbers to Decimal Numbers

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

Steps to Transform Roman numbers to Everyday Numbers

To convert Roman numbers to regular numbers, we will utilize the cumulative and subtractive principles we went through.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

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

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

• All you must do now is replicate this method until you reach the end of the Roman number group.

Let's check out how you can convert Roman numbers with a some examples.

Example 1

Take a look at the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral, that is L or 50.

• The Roman number to its right is X or 10. Since 10 is lesser than 50, we sum the both 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 numeral to the right of X is V or 5. Because 5 is less than 70, we add the two values and the result is 75.

• The Roman numeral to the right of V is I or 1. Since 1 is less than 75, we add the both values and get 76.

We halt here at the end of the Roman numeral group. Hence, the Roman number LXXVI is equal to the regular number 76.

Example 2

Take into account the Roman number MCMIII.

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

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

• The Roman number to the right of M is I or 1. Considering 1 is less than 1900, we sum the two values and we find 1901.

• The Roman number 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 sum 1 to 1902 and get 1903.

Because we have arrived the end of the Roman number group, we stop here with our result. Therefore, the Roman number MCMIII is as same as the decimal number 1903.

With this knowledge and a some practice, you will transform Roman numerals to decimal numbers like an expert!

Grade Potential Can Support You with Roman Numbers

If you struggle to understand Roman numbers or any other math ideas, don't hesitate to connect with Grade Potential for support! Our expert and educated teachers can help you with Roman numbers and the rest of your math homework.

If you are looking to maintain or get better, we’ll help you excel in your academics so you can feel positive on test day. Schedule a free consultation!