Roman numerals are the number system used in ancient Rome. They use combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet to represent different values. Learning roman numerals can help you outline, understand ancient Roman culture, and become more cultured. Find out how to master those complex symbols quickly after this.
Step
Step 1. Understand the basic symbols
Here's what you need to know to get started:
- I = 1
- V = 5
- X = 10
- L = 50
- C = 100
- D = 500
- M = 1000
Step 2. Use the help of a reminder to memorize the order of the symbol values
If you have trouble remembering which symbol for what value, try this simple reminder help: Eat Durian in Cianjur See Xkstra Vitamin Fish.
Step 3. Learn all the digits in the ones place
Here are the roman numerals:
- I = 1
- II = 2
- III = 3
- IV = 4
- V = 5
- VI = 6
- VII = 7
- VIII = 8
- IX = 9
Step 4. Learn all the digits in the tens place
Here are the roman numerals:
- X = 10
- XX = 20
- XXX = 30
- XL = 40
- L = 50
- LX = 60
- LXX = 70
- LXXX = 80
- XC = 90
Step 5. Learn all the digits in the hundreds place
Here are the roman numerals:
- C = 100
- CC = 200
- CCC = 300
- CD = 400
- D = 500
- DC = 600
- DCC = 700
- DCCC = 800
- CM = 900
Step 6. Know that you cannot write more than three of the same symbol
When you write down the same symbols, you can add up the values. Usually, the maximum number of consecutive equal symbols is three.
- II = 2
- XXX = 30
Step 7. Add up the value of the smaller symbol, which is placed after the value of the larger symbol
Almost the same as the rule above, just add up the values. Keep in mind that the first symbol must be larger for this rule to apply. Here's how you do it:
- XI = 11
- MCL = 1150
Step 8. Subtract the value of the smaller symbol, which is placed before the value of the larger symbol
In this case, you need to subtract the smaller value from the larger value. Here's how you do it:
- IV = 4
- CM = 900
Step 9. Know how to write compound numbers
There are several rules that govern how to write roman numerals. Here are some rules to know:
- IV is used instead of IIII
-
2987 is written as MMCMLXXXVII because:
- The first M gives the value 1000
- The second M gives a value of 1000
- The next CM gives a value of 900
- LXXX then values 80
- VII then gives a value of 7
- Thus, if you add up the values, you will get 2987.
Step 10. Learn to write larger numbers
Since M = 1,000, if you want to represent one million, a line is added above the symbol M, making it equal to one million. The line above the symbol represents the symbol times a thousand. Thus, M x M = 1,000,000.
Five million will be denoted by MMMMM with a line above each M. This step is necessary because in roman numerals, there is no symbol greater than M (1,000). This method is not usually used, but it is better to know how it works
Step 11. Check your work
If you want to make sure you're converting the numbers correctly, take a look at some online converters to see if your answer is correct.
Tips
- CM = 900
- VI = 6
- C = 100
- L = 50
- X = 10
- VIII = 8
- IX = 9
- MCMLXXXIV = 1984 (M=1000; CM=900; LXXX=80; IV=4)
- II = 2
- XL = 40
- XX = 20
- M = 1000
- IV = 4
- XC = 90
- MMM = 3000
- VII = 7
- I = 1
- MMXI = 2011
- D = 500
- Write and learn. This may be one of the boring things for some people, but believe me it is the best way because it will be stored in your long term memory.
- V = 5
- III = 3
