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

While you think about numbers at present, the first of all that comes to mind is the decimal method we use daily. This system, however, is not the single approach to depict numericals. There are multiple systems utilized by different cultures worldwide that use all kinds of symbols. One of system is Roman numbers.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numerals have been a method of expressing numericals using a blend of characters from the Latin alphabet. It remained across the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still taught in school, that is perhaps why you have stumbled upon this post.

Now, we are gonna to check out Roman numerals, what they are, how they function, and how to transform Roman numerals to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

First, let's take a brief look at the past of Roman numbers. Roman numbers were initially utilized by the historic Romans, as you might have guessed from the name. They were employed in many angles of the Roman world, consisting of trade, architecture, and even war.

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

The Roman number approach represents numbers utilizing a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are blended to make groups that represent numericals. Seven characters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, symbolizes the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, individually. You can then blend these numericals to represent any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

Although the decimal system is based on the ideas of place value, Roman numerals are based on additive and subtractive principles. This means that a Roman numeral's numeric values are based on the sum of the values of its individual parts. One more key distinction is that the decimal method is based on the number 10. In comparison, Roman numerals are founded on the numericals 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

Let's check out a few interactive examples of Roman numbers.

The electronic game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we observe the numericals in the name, we see it includes a V in it. This is due to the fact numerical 5 in Roman number is described by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Therefore, we grasp that this is the 4th to enter in the series utilizing the properties we will discuss further ahead.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the last entry in the original trilogy. Looking at the value portrayed, it includes a V followed by an I. Therefore, we will sum a 1 to the value of V, that is 5, letting us know this Star Wars film is the 6th episode in the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is important to know the numeric value of all the characters. To guide make this operation easy, here is a chart with all Latin letters with defined number values.

How to Transform from Roman Numerals to Decimal Numericals

Now that we have the useful table of Roman numerals, we can use that information to change numericals back and forth quickly. Following these steps, you will convert these values at any time.

Steps to Convert Roman numbers to Decimal Numericals

To transform Roman numerals to everyday numbers, we will use the additive and subtractive principles we went through.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

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

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

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

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

Example 1

Consider 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. Because 10 is less than 50, we sum the both values and get 60.

• The Roman numeral to the right of X is X again. We add 10 to 60 and the result is 70.

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

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

We halt here at the end of the Roman numeral group. Therefore, the Roman number LXXVI is as same as the regular number 76.

Example 2

Study the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Begin with 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 stands at 900.

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

Given that we have reached the end of the Roman number group, we stop here with our answer. Thus, the Roman number MCMIII is equivalent to the decimal number 1903.

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

Grade Potential Can Help You with Roman Numerals

If you struggle to comprehend Roman numbers or any other arithmetic theories, don't be afraid to reach out to Grade Potential for support! Our expert and knowledgeable instructors can guide you with Roman numbers and the rest of your arithmetic homework.

Whether you are looking to keep up or do better, we’ll guide you excel in your academics so you can feel positive on test day. Book a free consultation!