Roman Numeral Converter
The Tourist's Challenge While Exploring Italy
The Roman numeral system consists of the use of seven symbols that correspond to seven uppercase letters of the Latin alphabet .
I = 1
V = 5
X = 10
L = 50
C = 100
D = 500
M = 1.000
Addition
When a symbol is placed after (to the right of) a larger value, it is added to what precedes it. For example: XI = 10 + 1 = 11.
Subtraction
When a symbol is placed before (to the left of) a larger value, it is subtracted. For example: XL = 50 − 10 = 40. Therefore, when a symbol is located between two numbers of greater value, it is subtracted from the symbol on the right. For example: XIX = 10 + (10 − 1) = 19.
Don't repeat a symbol more than 3 times in a row
There cannot be more than 3 symbols of the same type one after another. For example, 4 cannot be written as IIII (but as IV).
Do not repeat symbols that start with 5
The symbols V, L, and D (representing 5, 50, and 500 respectively) cannot be repeated.
Large Numbers
Any number can be multiplied by 1,000 by drawing a horizontal bar above it.
Knowing the history of various number systems means understanding the history of mathematics and, therefore, of humanity. Being aware that there have been other systems for representing numbers opens the door to discussing history and provides a perspective for understanding the system we use today.
In addition to inscriptions on monuments and historical texts, Roman numerals are still used today: on clocks, to mention kings, to denote centuries, to enumerate lists like this one, in editions, and so on. Knowing how to interpret them is a matter of general knowledge.
It is up to us to prevent other French museums from deciding to replace Roman numerals "because people do not understand them."
