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

When you think about numericals nowadays, the first thing that pops in your head is the decimal method we utilize regularly. This method, however, is not the only way to represent numericals. There are a lot of approaches utilized by various cultures all over the world that use all kinds of symbols. One of method is Roman numerals.

Since ancient Rome, Roman numbers have been a way of writing numbers using a blend of characters from the Latin alphabet. It remained throughout the Middle Ages and the modern day, to the point it is still educated in school, which is probably why you have come across this post.

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

What Are Roman Numbers?

First, let's check a brief look at the history of Roman numerals. Roman numbers were initially utilized by the historic Romans, as you may have expected from the name. They were used in many angles of the Roman world, including business, architecture, and even war.

Currently, its widespread use is mainly because of its artistic reasons. You might have observed Roman numbers as hour marks on a clock, copyright dates, page numbering, chapter numbers, or in film sequels (e.g., The Godfather Part II).

The Roman numeral system represents numericals using a combination of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are mixed to create groups that depict numbers. Seven letters, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, represent the numbers 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, individually. You can then mix these numericals to depict any value in the numerical system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

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

Examples

Let's check out a few hands-on examples of Roman numbers.

The video game street fighter IV was released in arcades as early as 2008. If we 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 represented by the letter V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Thus, we understand that this is the 4th to enter in the series utilizing the properties we will speak on down the article.

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

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numbers, it is essential to comprehend the numeric value of all the characters. To guide make this operation easy, here is a chart with all Latin characters with defined numeric values.

How to Transform from Roman Numerals to Regular Numericals

Since we have the convenient table of Roman numerals, we can use that data to transform numericals back and forth quickly. Following these steps, you will convert these values any time you want.

Steps to Convert Roman numbers to Everyday Numbers

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

• Begin with the leftmost Roman numerical in the group.

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

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

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

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

Example 1

Study the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Considering 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 find 70.

• The Roman number to the right of X is V or 5. Since 5 is less than 70, we add 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 add the both values and the result is 76.

We stop here at the end of the Roman number group. Consequently, the Roman number LXXVI is equivalent to the regular number 76.

Example 2

Study the Roman numeral MCMIII.

• Start at the leftmost Roman number, that is M or 1000.

• The Roman numeral 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 add the two values and we find 1901.

• The Roman number to the right of I is I again. We sum 1 to 1901 and we find 1902.

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

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

With this data and a some practice, you will convert Roman numbers to regular numbers like a professional!

Grade Potential Can Help You with Roman Numbers

If you struggle to understand Roman numbers or any other math concepts, don't hesitate to reach out to Grade Potential for support! Our experienced and knowledgeable instructors can guide you with Roman numerals and the remaining of your mathematics homework.

Whether you are seeking to sustain or get better, we’ll guide you excel in your classes so you can feel positive on examination day. Schedule a free consultation!