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

While you imagine numericals at present, the first of all that comes to mind is the decimal system we utilize daily. This system, however, is not the single fashion to represent numericals. There are a lot of approaches used by distinct cultures around the world that use all kinds of characters. Classified among many one of the system is Roman numerals.

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

Today, we are gonna to look at Roman numerals, what they are, how they work, and how to change Roman numerals to normal numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

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

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

The Roman number system consist of numericals utilizing a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are combined to make groups that portray numbers. Seven alphabets, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, depicts the numbers 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

Although the decimal system is established on the concept 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 individual parts. Another key distinction is that the decimal approach is founded on the number 10. In comparison, Roman numbers are based on the numbers 1 (I), 5 (V) and 10 (X).

Examples

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

The video game street fighter IV was released in arcades way back in 2008. If we look at the number in the name, we see it includes a V in it. This is due to the fact numerical 5 in Roman number is portrayed 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 using the characteristics we will talk about down the article.

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

Roman Numerals Chart

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

How to Convert from Roman Numbers to Everyday Numbers

Considering 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 change these values whenever you want.

Steps to Convert Roman numerals to Decimal Numericals

To convert Roman numerals to decimal numbers, we will utilize the linear and subtractive principles we talked about.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

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

• If the Roman number to its right is greater in value, subtract the Roman numeral on the right out of the Roman numeral to its left.

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

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

Example 1

Take a look at the Roman numeral LXXVI.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numeral, that is L or 50.

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Considering 10 is less than 50, we add 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 number to the right of X is V or 5. Because 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. Considering 1 is less than 75, we sum the two values and we find 76.

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

Example 2

Take into account the Roman number MCMIII.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is C or 100. Because 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. Since 1 is less than 1900, we add the two values and the result is 1901.

• The Roman numeral to the right of I is I again. We sum 1 to 1901 and the result is 1902.

• The Roman numeral to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1902 and we find 1903.

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

With this information and a some practice, you will convert Roman numerals to regular numbers like an expert!

Grade Potential Can Support You with Roman Numerals

If you struggle to comprehend Roman numbers or any other math concepts, don't be afraid to call Grade Potential for guidance! Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors can assist you with Roman numbers and the rest of your math homework.

If you are seeking to keep up or get ahead, we’ll guide you excel in your academics so you can feel positive on test day. Schedule a hassle-free consultation!