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

When you consider numbers nowadays, the first thing that comes to mind is the decimal system we use daily. This method, however, is not the only way to portray numbers. There are multiple approaches utilized by various cultures around the world that use all types of symbols. One such system is Roman numbers.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numbers have become a way of writing numericals using a blend of letters from the Latin alphabet. It persisted throughout the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still taught in school, which is possibly why you have stumbled upon this post.

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

What Are Roman Numbers?

First, let's take a quick look at the history of Roman numbers. Roman numbers were first utilized by the ancient Romans, as you might have predicted from the name. They were employed in many angles of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even warfare.

Currently, its main use is mainly due to aesthetic reasons. You may have observed Roman numerals as hour marks on a clock, chapter numbers, page numbering, copyright dates, or in film sequels (e.g., The Godfather Part III).

The Roman numeral system consist of numericals utilizing a blend of characters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are combined to form groups that depict numericals. Seven characters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, symbolizes the numericals 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, respectively. You can then mix these numbers to portray any value in the number system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

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

Examples

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

The electronic game street fighter IV was released in arcades as early as 2008. If we observe the numericals in the name, we see it has a V in it. This is because the numerical 5 in Roman numerals is portrayed by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we understand that this is the 4th to enter in the series utilizing the characteristics we will discuss further ahead.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the latest to enter the original trilogy. Looking at the value described, it contains a V ensued by an I. Thus, we will include a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, concluding this Star Wars film is the 6th to enter the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numbers, it is crucial to understand the numeric value of all the letters. To help make this function easy, here is a chart with all Latin letters with assigned number values.

How to Transform from Roman Numerals to Decimal Numericals

Now that we have the convenient table of Roman numbers, we can use that information to transform numbers back and forth promptly. Following these steps, you will convert these values any time you want.

Steps to Convert Roman numbers to Decimal Numbers

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 lesser in value, then add the both values.

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

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

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

Example 1

Consider the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman number to its right is X or 10. Since 10 is less than 50, we sum the two 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 number to the right of X is V or 5. Considering 5 is less than 70, we add the both values and get 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 get 76.

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

Example 2

Study the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Initiate with 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 stands at 900.

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

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

Given that we have arrived the end of the Roman numeral group, we halt here with our result. Thus, the Roman numeral MCMIII is equal to the decimal number 1903.

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

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