ConvertOnlineRoman to Decimal Converter
Converting a Roman Numeral to Decimal
Roman numerals are an ancient numeral system that originated in Rome and are based on combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet: I, V, X, L, C, D, and M. Each of these letters has a specific value, and the value of a Roman numeral is calculated by summing these values, with some adjustments made according to specific rules.
The basic values are:
- I = 1
- V = 5
- X = 10
- L = 50
- C = 100
- D = 500
- M = 1000
To convert a Roman numeral to its decimal (base-10) equivalent, we analyze each letter in the Roman numeral string from left to right. If a smaller numeral precedes a larger one, we subtract the smaller numeral from the larger one. Otherwise, we simply add the value of the numeral to the total.
For example, the Roman numeral XIV can be converted to decimal as follows:
X = 10, I = 1, V = 5
Since I is before V, we subtract its value from V:
5 - 1 = 4
Then, we add the value of X:
10 + 4 = 14
Thus, the decimal equivalent of XIV is 14.
Examples
Let’s explore some examples to understand how to convert Roman numerals to their decimal equivalents.
1. Convert the Roman numeral XIV to decimal.
Answer
First, we identify the given Roman numeral:
Given:
- Roman: XIV
Next, we convert the Roman numeral to its decimal equivalent by summing the values of its individual letters:
Steps:
- X = 10
- I = 1
- V = 5
Since I is before V, we subtract its value from V:
- 5 - 1 = 4
We then add the value of X:
- 10 + 4 = 14
The final decimal value is:
Decimal Equivalent:
14
Result:
∴ The decimal equivalent of the Roman numeral XIV is 14.
2. Convert the Roman numeral IX to decimal.
Answer
We start by identifying the Roman numeral:
Given:
- Roman: IX
Next, we convert the Roman numeral to its decimal equivalent by summing the values of its individual letters:
Steps:
- I = 1
- X = 10
Since I is before X, we subtract its value from X:
- 10 - 1 = 9
The final decimal value is:
Decimal Equivalent:
9
Result:
∴ The decimal equivalent of the Roman numeral IX is 9.
3. Determine the decimal equivalent of the Roman numeral MCMXC.
Answer
First, we identify the given Roman numeral:
Given:
- Roman: MCMXC
Next, we convert the Roman numeral to its decimal equivalent by summing the values of its individual letters:
Steps:
- M = 1000
- C = 100
- M = 1000
- X = 10
- C = 100
Since C is before M, and X is before C, we subtract their values:
- 1000 - 100 = 900
- 100 - 10 = 90
The sum is:
Decimal Equivalent:
1990
Result:
∴ The decimal equivalent of the Roman numeral MCMXC is 1990.
4. Convert the Roman numeral LXXIV to decimal.
Answer
We start by identifying the number:
Given:
- Roman: LXXIV
Next, we convert the Roman numeral to its decimal equivalent by summing the values of its individual letters:
Steps:
- L = 50
- X = 10
- X = 10
- I = 1
- V = 5
Since I is before V, we subtract its value from V:
- 5 - 1 = 4
We then add the values of L and X:
- 50 + 10 + 10 + 4 = 74
The final decimal value is:
Decimal Equivalent:
74
Result:
∴ The decimal equivalent of the Roman numeral LXXIV is 74.