In this mini-lesson, we will explore the world of Roman numerals. We will do so by finding answers to what is Roman numerals chart, how to identify Roman numerals symbols, how to read Roman numerals, what is X or M in Roman numerals, and how to perform Roman numeral conversion while discovering the interesting facts around them.
Kabir has an extremely old, grandfather clock in his living room, but he finds it difficult to read the time. Do you know why? It's because, instead of natural numbers, the clock has Roman numerals in it. For reading the clock, Kabir has to learn about Roman numerals.
Let us all learn with Kabir about Roman Numerals.
Lesson Plan
What Are Roman Numerals?
Roman numerals are one of its kind number system, which originated centuries ago in ancient Rome.
Roman numerals symbols were commonly used in denoting numbers and remained widely popular late into the Middle Ages.
If you want to learn how to read Roman numerals, all you need to know are alphabets.
The Roman numerals list comprises letters taken from the Latin alphabets, which as we know it, starts from A and ends at Z.
It’s not hard to spot Roman numerals around. You may find them at the bottom of text pages too.
Fundamentals of Roman Numerals
If you know these 7 basic Roman numeral conversions, you can easily convert all numbers to Roman numerals.
|
Decimal Number |
Roman Numeral Symbol |
|---|---|
|
1 |
\(I\) |
|
5 |
\(V\) |
|
10 |
\(X\) |
|
50 |
\(L\) |
|
100 |
\(C\) |
|
500 |
\(D\) |
|
1000 |
\(M\) |
In addition to these basic conversions, there are a couple of rules you need to be watchful of while converting digits to Roman numerals and vice versa.
Let’s understand those rules with examples.
Solved Examples
| Example 1 |
Krish wants to know if it's time for his favorite show. The shorthand of the clock points at \(VIII\). What hour is it?
Solution
We know that \(V\) stands for 5 and I stands for 1
Since I is the smaller symbol and appears thrice after \(V\), it will get added to \(V\).
\[VIII=V+I+I+I\]
Thus, the time is 8 o'clock.
| \(\therefore\) \(VIII=5+1+1+1=8\) |
| Example 2 |
The long hand of Anushka's clock is pointed at \(IX\). She wants to know the minute count.
Solution
If the smaller symbol appears before the larger symbol, it will get subtracted from the smaller symbol.
\(IX\) becomes \(X-I\), as X in Roman numerals is 10
Thus, the minute count is
| \(\therefore\) \(IX =10-1= 9\) |
| Example 3 |
Ekta was asked to represent a Roman numeral using both addition and subtraction. If the Roman numeral is \(XIX\), how will she represent it in a decimal number system?
Solution
Going from right to left, the last two symbols are \(IX\), which is \(- 1 + 10\) or \(9\)
\(X\) in Roman numerals is \(10\)
| \(\therefore\) \(XIX=10 -1 + 10 = 19\) |
| Example 4 |
The teacher asks Ritvik to open page number 28, but the page numbers are in Roman numerals. How will Ritvik identify the right page?
Solution
The number 28 can be broken down to \(10 + 10 + 5 + 1 +1 + 1\)
It is done keeping in mind that the biggest Roman symbol 28 can have is 10, which is \(X\).
The next biggest Roman numeral will be 5, and the last will be 1.
| \(\therefore\) \(28=XXVIII\) |
| Example 5 |
How would you write the year 2019 in Roman numerals?
Solution
The biggest symbol in 2019 is 1000, which is \(M\).
We will break down the number further.
2019 becomes \(1000 + 1000 + 10 – 1 + 10\)
| \(\therefore\) \(2019 =MMXIX\) |
- Don’t use the Roman symbol more than thrice in a number. If there is a requirement for more, use subtraction by placing \(I\) before the bigger symbol.
- Identify the biggest symbol, in the beginning, to solve the problem easily.
- While converting from Roman numerals to decimal numbers, look out for \(IV\), which is 4, and \(IX\), which is 9. Identifying them right away will make your task simpler.
- Roman numerals are only applicable for natural numbers, and not fractions, decimals, or other real numbers.
Roman Numerals Chart
A Roman numerals chart can be useful in doing conversions for all Roman numbers.
This is what it looks like.
- For representing large numbers, a dash is placed over the symbols, which represent 1000 times of the original number.
\(X\) is 10, so x̅ becomes 10,000.
Try converting any numbers into Roman numerals by varying the digits in the units, tens, and hundreds place.
Interactive Questions
Here are a few activities for you to practice.
Select/Type your answer and click the 'Check Answer' button to see the result.
Let's Summarize
We hope you enjoyed learning about Roman Numerals with the simulations and practice questions. Now you will be able to easily solve problems on Roman numerals chart, Roman numerals list, Roman numerals symbols, and Roman numeral conversion. If you come across Roman numerals anywhere, the answer will always be there with you.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is M in Roman numerals?
The Roman numeral \(M\) represents 1000 or thousand from the decimal number system.
2. How to write Roman numbers?
All Roman numerals are written using the Roman representation of the seven primary numbers. They are:
|
Decimal Number |
Roman Numeral Symbol |
|---|---|
|
1 |
\(I\) |
|
5 |
\(V\) |
|
10 |
\(X\) |
|
50 |
\(L\) |
|
100 |
\(C\) |
|
500 |
\(D\) |
|
1000 |
\(M\) |
Using these combinations, numbers can be easily converted to Roman numerals symbols.
3. What are the Roman numerals 1 to 100?
The Roman numerals from 1 to 100 or the Roman numeral conversion chart is as follows:
4. What is the Roman numeral for 6?
The Roman number for 6 can be found out in the following manner.
\[6 = 5 + 1\]
As per the list of the Roman numerals, we know that 5 is \(V\) and 1 is \(I\).
And that makes the Roman numeral conversion of 6 as \(VI\).
5. What is the Roman numeral for 5000?
The Roman numeral \(M\) stands for 1000
5000 is nothing but 1000, repeated 5 times.
This makes 5000 as \(MMMMM\) or V̅ in Roman numerals. Both representations are correct.
6. How do we write 100 in Roman?
As 100 is one of the seven fundamental Roman conversions, 100 is directly represented as \(C\) in Roman numbers.