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

When you imagine numericals currently, the first thing that comes to mind is the decimal method we use everyday. This system, however, is not the single approach to depict numericals. There are a lot of approaches utilized by different cultures worldwide that use all sorts of symbols. One of method is Roman numbers.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numbers have become a method of writing numericals using a combination of letters from the Latin alphabet. It remained during the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still educated in school, that is perhaps why you have stumbled upon this post.

Today, we are going to walkthrough Roman numerals, definition, how they operate, and how to convert Roman numerals to ordinary numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

First, let's check a quick look at the history of Roman numbers. Roman numbers were first used by the historic Romans, as you may have predicted from the name. They were employed in multiple angles of the Roman world, including trade, architecture, and even war.

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

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

Meaning of the Roman numerals

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

Examples

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

The video game street fighter IV was released in arcades as early as 2008. If we take a look at the number in the name, we see it has a V in it. This is due to the fact number 5 in Roman numerals is portrayed by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Hence, we grasp that this is the 4th entry in the series using the characteristics we will talk about further ahead.

The movie Star Wars Episode VI was the last entry in the original trilogy. Observing the value described, it includes a V followed by an I. Thus, we will sum a 1 to the value of V, which is 5, letting us know this Star Wars movie is the 6th entry in the franchise.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numerals, it is essential to get a grasp of the numeric value of all the letters. To help make this process easy, here is a chart with every Latin alphabets with defined numeric values.

How to Transform from Roman Numbers to Regular Numericals

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

Steps to Convert Roman numbers to Regular Numericals

To transform Roman numbers to regular numbers, we will use the cumulative and subtractive principles we discussed.

• Start at the leftmost Roman numeral in the group.

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

• If the Roman number to its right is higher in value, deduct the Roman numeral on the right out of the Roman numbers to its left.

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

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

Example 1

Study the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman number to its right is X or 10. Considering 10 is lesser than 50, we add the two 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. Considering 5 is less than 70, we sum the both values and we find 75.

• The Roman number to the right of V is I or 1. Since 1 is less than 75, we sum the two values and get 76.

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

Example 2

Consider the Roman number MCMIII.

• Initiate with the leftmost Roman numeral, which is M or 1000.

• The Roman numeral to its right is C or 100. Since 100 is less than 1000, and it is followed 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 number to the right of I is I again. We sum 1 to 1901 and get 1902.

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

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

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

Grade Potential Can Support You with Roman Numbers

If you struggle to understand Roman numbers or any other arithmetic concepts, don't hesitate to call Grade Potential for guidance! Our expert and educated teachers can assist you with Roman numerals and the rest of your math homework.

Whether you are seeking to maintain or get ahead, we’ll help you excel in your academics so you can feel certain on test day. Schedule a hassle-free consultation!