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

While you consider numericals currently, the first thing that springs to mind is the decimal method we use everyday. This system, however, is not the single way to represent numbers. There are multiple approaches utilized by different cultures all over the world that use all types of characters. One of system is Roman numerals.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numbers have been a way of writing numbers using a blend of characters from the Latin alphabet. It existed throughout the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the extend it is still educated in school, which is perhaps why you have come across this blog.

Now, we are going to look at Roman numerals, definition, how they function, and how to transform Roman numbers to regular numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

First, let's check a quick look at the past of Roman numbers. Roman numericals were first utilized by the historic Romans, as you might have guessed from the name. They were utilized in many aspects of the Roman world, consisting of business, architecture, and even war.

Currently, its extensive use is primarily attributed to aesthetic reasons. You may have observed 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 numeral system consist of numbers employing a mixture of characters from the Latin alphabet. Characters are blended to form groups that represent numericals. Seven letters, 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 depict any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

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

Examples

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

The video game street fighter IV was released in arcades back in 2008. If we take a look at the number in the title, we see it has a V in it. This is because the numerical 5 in Roman numerals is described by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we grasp that this is the 4th to enter in the series using the properties we will speak on subsequently in the article.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the latest entry in the original trilogy. Observing the value represented, it comprises a V followed by an I. Therefore, we will include a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, concluding this Star Wars movie is the 6th entry in the series.

Roman Numerals Chart

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

How to Convert from Roman Numerals to Everyday Numbers

Since we have the handy table of Roman numbers, we can use that data to transform numericals back and forth promptly. Following these steps, you will change these values at any time.

Steps to Transform Roman numerals to Everyday Numericals

To transform Roman numbers to everyday numbers, we will utilize the linear and subtractive principles we went through.

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

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

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

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

Let's check out how you can change Roman numerals with a some examples.

Example 1

Study the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Since 10 is less than 50, we add the both values and get 60.

• The Roman number to the right of X is X again. We sum 10 to 60 and find 70.

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

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

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

Example 2

Take into account the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Initiate with the leftmost Roman numeral, that 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 numeral to the right of M is I or 1. Since 1 is less than 1900, we sum the two values and get 1901.

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

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

Since we have reached the end of the Roman numeral group, we halt here with our answer. So, the Roman number MCMIII is equal to the regular number 1903.

With this knowledge and a little practice, you will transform Roman numbers to decimal numbers like a professional!

Grade Potential Can Support You with Roman Numerals

If you struggle to get a grasp Roman numbers or any other arithmetic ideas, don't hesitate to call Grade Potential for support! Our expert and educated tutors can help you with Roman numerals and the rest of your mathematics homework.

If you are looking to keep up or get better, we’ll help you excel in your classes so you can feel confident on test day. Book a free consultation!