Roman Numerals

Roman numerals is a number system that was devised by the ancient

Romans for the purpose of counting and performing other day-to-day
transactions. Several letters from the Latin alphabet are used for the
representation of roman numerals. They are typically utilized as
general suffixes for people across generations, hour marks on a clock,
to denote the names of Popes and Monarchs, etc. In this article, we
will see how to write and interpret Roman numerals. Additionally, we
will also explore the various tips and tricks that can be used to make
this chapter easier to learn and understand.

What are Roman Numerals?

Roman numerals are a type of number system that is used to

represent a fixed integer value. It was widely used throughout Europe
as the standard writing system until the late middle ages. It came into
being as the ancient Romans figured that once a number reaches 10 it
becomes very hard to count on one’s fingers. Thus, there was a need
to create a standardized system that could be used for trade and
communications.
Modern Roman numerals use seven letters to represent different
numbers.

These are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M which hold the integer values of 1, 5,

10, 50, 100, 500, and 1000 respectively.

Once you understand the rules to read and write Roman numerals, it
will be very easy for you to work with them.
Roman Numerals Chart

Roman Numerals Chart

As mentioned above there are seven Latin letters that are used to
represent Roman numerals. By changing the placement of these
letters we can convert a natural number into a roman numeral.
Similarly, the converse operation can also be performed.

For example, we have the roman numeral LX. The value is (50 + 10) =
60. Thus, we can say that if a symbol holding a greater value
is placed after another symbol of greater or equal value, it will be
added. However, if a symbol of a smaller value is placed before a
greater value symbol, it will be subtracted. Thus, XL will be (50 - 10) =
40.In addition to these basic conversions, there are a couple of rules
you need to be watchful of while converting the digits to Roman
numerals.

Rules for Writing Roman Numerals

It is necessary for students to remember the rules for writing Roman

numbers in order to avoid mistakes. There are 4 basic principles for
writing Roman numerals as listed below:

The letters I, X, C can be repeated thrice in succession. Additionally,

L, V, D cannot be repeated or the number is considered to be invalid.
If a lower value digit is written to the left of a higher value digit, it is
subtracted.If a lower value digit is written to the right of a higher value
digit, it is added.Only I, X, and C can be used as subtractive numerals.

Rules to Convert Roman Numerals to Numbers?

The following are the rules to convert Roman numerals to numbers.

To multiply a number by a factor of 1000 a bar is placed over it.
A letter holding a lower value that is placed to the left of a higher value
number results in the subtraction of the smaller number from the
larger one.A letter holding a higher value that is placed to the left of a
lower value number results in the addition of both values.

Tips to Remember Roman Numerals

As most of us are accustomed to working with real numbers, it can

become confusing for children when they are required to learn about
Roman numerals. The following is a list of techniques that can be
used to help kids instill an in-depth understanding of the topic.
Using Mnemonics: This is one of the most effective ways to learn a
topic. If you can use a mnemonic it becomes easier to relate to roman
numerals and you can recall it faster when required. It also combats
the issue of confusion. Thus, kids will not get confused as to what
letter holds which value. One such mnemonic is My Dear Cat Loves
Xtra Vitamins Intensely. Here, the bold letters represent roman
numerals in descending order.Innovative Methods: You can also
devise creative ways that are indigenous to you while learning this
topic. As long as the information you are remembering is correct, and
it is easy for you to retain. Thus, you can come up with your own
specific associations by thinking of certain phrases or lines.
Practice Problems: If you solve enough questions on the topic of
roman numerals, you will automatically be able to remember how to
solve questions based on the same and what each notation denotes.
Using well-structured worksheets is a fantastic option to find practice
sums that are arranged in an increasing level of difficulty. Hence, kids
get the opportunity to study the topic in an organized way.

Understanding Roman Numerals

The position of the letters I, V, X, L, C, and D is what determines the
value of the actual Roman numeral . An I in the wrong place can be
the difference between 9 and 11, or even 99 and 101.

More rules for understanding Roman numbers include:

If smaller numbers follow larger numbers, add the numbers.For

example: In the Roman numeral XII, you add 10, 1, and 1, which
makes 12.
If a smaller number precedes a larger number, subtract the smaller
number.For example: In the Roman numeral IV, you subtract calls 1
from 5, which makes 4.
Roman numerals don't use four identical letters in a row.For example:
You'd never exceed XXX, or 10+10+10, for the tens placement. Since
we can't use four identical numerals in a row, 40 would not be XXXX
but, rather, XL.
Any time you see a line, that indicates the number should be
multiplied by a thousand.For example: When V looks like V̅, that
indicates 5 x 1000 = 5000.
Remember to treat each part of the number separately (ones, tens,
hundreds, etc.).
For example: Even though 1999 is one fewer than 2000, you write
MCMXCIX instead of MIM because you can’t skip place value.
You can use either capital or lowercase letters to write Roman
numerals.For example: XVI and xvi both mean 16.
As you add more numbers, the math gets more and more important,
but not much more complicated. Read on to learn more about
translating Roman numbers.

How to Translate Roman Numerals

In order to break down a longer number like MCMLXXXIV into parts,
consider this:

M is for the thousands (1000).

CM is for the hundreds (1000-100 = 900).
LXXX is for the tens, consisting of an L for 50 and XXX for 30
(10+10+10), adding up to 80.
IV is for the ones (5 - 1 = 4).
This gives us 1000 + 900 + 80 + 4, or 1984.

A Brief History of Roman Numerals

Historians believe that Roman numerals originated between 900 and

800 B.C. in ancient Rome.

The symbol for 1 in the Roman numbering system represents a single

tally mark. People would notch I into wood or dirt to keep track of
items or events they were counting.

But things soon became complicated when they counted by ones

alone. What happens after 10? Or 100? The answer is in your fingers!

The Roman numeral for 1 is a single line, just like one finger. The
Roman number for 5 is V for the V-shape between the thumb and the
index finger when all five of our fingers are spread. If you hold up ten
fingers, you’ll find an X when the two Vs merge at the tips of our index
fingers – which is why X represents 10.
Roman Numerals in Modern Times

So why learn about Roman numerals now in the 21st century? Believe
it or not, Roman numerals are still used today in a variety of
applications. For example:

In outlines for a story or report

On clocks and watch faces, such as IV for the number 4
In books to number prefaces, forewords, and chapters
On films and big events, such as Rocky II and Super Bowl XLVI
For monarchs, such as Elizabeth II and Felipe VI
For Roman Catholic popes, such as Pope John Paul II and Pope
Benedict XVI