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

When you consider numbers at present, the first of all that comes to mind is the decimal system we utilize daily. This system, however, is not the only fashion to depict numbers. There are several approaches used by distinct cultures worldwide that use all types of characters. One of system is Roman numerals.

Given that ancient Rome, Roman numerals have become a method of expressing numericals utilizing 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, that is perhaps why you have come across this post.

Today, we are going to check out Roman numbers, definition, how they function, and how to transform Roman numerals to regular numbers.

What Are Roman Numerals?

First, let's check a quick look at the history of Roman numerals. Roman numericals were first utilized by the historic Romans, as you may have guessed from the name. They were utilized in many angles of the Roman world, including trade, architecture, and even war.

Presently, its widespread use is primarily because of its aesthetic reasons. You might have observed 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 number system represents numericals using a combination of characters from the Latin alphabet. Letters are blended to create groups that represent numbers. Seven alphabets, I, V, X, L, C, D, and M, represent the numbers 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000, separately. You can then blend these numbers to portray any value in the number system.

Meaning of the Roman numerals

While the decimal system is based on the concept of place value, Roman numerals are founded on linear and subtractive principles. This refers that a Roman number's numeric values are established on the sum of the values of its individual parts. One more major distinction is that the decimal approach is founded on the number 10. In comparison, Roman numbers are established on the numericals 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 back in 2008. If we look at the numericals in the name, we see it consist of a V in it. This is because the numerical 5 in Roman number is described by the alphabet V. Preceded by it is an I, or 1. Thus, we comprehend that this is the 4th entry in the series using the properties we will talk about subsequently in the article.

The film Star Wars Episode VI was the last to enter the original trilogy. Observing the value represented, 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 series.

Roman Numerals Chart

To read Roman numbers, it is crucial to know the numeric value of all the letters. To assist you make this function easy, here is a chart with every Latin alphabets with assigned numeric values.

How to Transform from Roman Numerals to Decimal Numericals

Now that we have the convenient table of Roman numerals, we can utilize that information to transform numbers back and forth simply. Following these steps, you will transform these values at any time.

Steps to Convert Roman numbers to Decimal Numericals

To change Roman numbers 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 numeral to its right is smaller in value, then add the two values.

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

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

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

Example 1

Take a look at the Roman numeral LXXVI.

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

• The Roman numeral to its right is X or 10. Considering 10 is lesser 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 the result is 70.

• The Roman number to the right of X is V or 5. Because 5 is less than 70, we add the both values and the result is 75.

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

We cease here at the end of the Roman numeral group. Therefore, the Roman numeral LXXVI is equal to the regular number 76.

Example 2

Consider the Roman numeral MCMIII.

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

• The Roman number to its right is C or 100. Considering 100 is less than 1000, and it is followed by an M, this value means 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 numeral to the right of I is I again. We add 1 to 1901 and the result is 1902.

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

Given that we have arrived the end of the Roman number group, we stop here with our result. So, the Roman number MCMIII is equivalent to the regular number 1903.

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

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