Introduction
To show numbers a special method was used by Romans, which is popularly known as Roman numbers. This is a unique numeral system, which originated in ancient Rome and remained as the usual way of writing numbers by using the Latin alphabet commonly referred to as roman numbers. For instance, they use the symbol X to represent the number 10. Likewise in ancient Rome primarily, 7 symbols were used to represent the denominations of numbers. In this article, we will briefly discuss the origin and use of Roman numerals and how to write MM, MMV, and MMVIII Roman numerals in numbers.
Brief summary of Roman Numbers
Ever wonder how numbers play a major role in trade and communication? Counting on one’s hand by using fingers got out of control, so to speak when one reaches the number 10. so a counting system was devised based on a person’s hand. Thus numbers were developed out of a need, for counting, essential to trade and communications. The numbers which have originated in ancient Rome are commonly referred to as Roman numbers or Numerals.
Uses of Roman Numbers
As the name suggests these roman numbers have been around for quite a long period, between 900 to 800 BC.while it may seem so strange to use these Roman numerals instead of letters which we often use in our day-to-day life, these roman numerals are all around us and you have been using it and has certainly seen it without being realizing it. The common use of roman numerals is often seen in books- often to use for numbering the chapters, the fancy clocks and watches which you use in daily routine contain these roman numbers, the annual sporting events like the Summer and Winter Olympics and the National Football League Super Bowl also mar the passage of years by using Roman numbers.
How to learn Roman Numerals?
In Roman Numerals 7 basic and primary symbols are used. They are I, V, X, L, C, D, and M which stand for 1, 5, 10, 50, 100,500, and 1000 respectively. In a simplified way, it may look as follows.
- A single line or English alphabet I am used to referring to unit one
- The V shape made by the thumb and forefinger represents the number five.
- When two Vs touch their points give rise to X, and it has the value of 10 units.
- The letter L represents the value of 50
- The letters C, D, and M represents 100, 500, and 1000 respectively.
Basic Rules to Write Roman Numerals
The general rule in writing the roman numerals is that the higher roman numerals precede the lower numerals which results in correct translation. Some of the easiest ways or methods to understand Roman Numerals are as follows.
- When the bigger letter precedes a smaller letter, the letters are added. For instance; VI, V > I, so V + I = 5 + 1 = 6
- When the smaller letter precedes a bigger letter, the letters are subtracted. For instance; IV, I < V, so I – V = 1 – 5 = 4
- When a letter is repeated two or three times, they will get added, for instance; XX = X + X = 10 + 10 = 20
- Note; the same roman numeral cannot be used more than three times in succession.
How To Write MM, MMV, MMVIII Roman Numerals In Numbers?
As we already know that the Roman numeral M stands for 1000, and the following are the simplified form of MM, MMV, and MMVIII
- MM roman numerals in number
The numeral value of MM Roman number can be obtained by following any of the following two methods.
1st method; the easiest method is to, Break the roman numerals into single letters and write the numeral value of each letter and then add or subtract them.
- M(1000)
- MM = M + M =1000 +1000 = 2000
2nd method; the second method is to consider the groups of roman numerals either for adding or subtracting.
- MM = 2000
- MMV roman numerals in number
The number 2005 is represented in roman numerals as MMV. In MMV, M stands for 1000 and V stands for 5. To get the value of MMV numbers we need to add the value of the primary letters. Let us understand this numerically.
- M + M + V = MMV
- 1000 + 1000 + 5 = 2005
Therfore, MMV = 2005.
- MMVIII roman numerals in number
The numeral value of MMVIII roman number is 2008. As we have learned above, the correct translation of roman numerals is obtained when the higher roman numerals precede the lower numeral.
What is the numerical value of MMVIII roman number?
M + M + V + I + I + I= MMVIII
1000 + 1000 + 5 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 2008
Thus, MMVIII = 2008
Conclusion
The Romans were very active in trade and commerce and the need for communication and business gave rise to a unique system of numerals, the numeral system which is developed by Romans was popularly referred to as Roman numbers and this system lasted for many centuries and even today these numerical system is widely being used in one form or the other throughout the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What are Roman Numerals?
Ans. A symbolic representation of numbers that do not follow a place value system is referred to as Roman Numerals
Q. What number cannot be written in roman numerals?
Ans. Zero, interestingly there is no zero in Roman numerals
Q. How many times a symbol in a roman number can be repeated?
Ans. A symbol in a Roman numeral is permitted to repeat only 3 times and not more than that.
Q. Do roman numerals have place value?
Ans. There is no Place value in the Roman numeral system.
Q. What does MM in Roman numerals stand for?
Ans. M in roman numerals stands for 1000, thus MM simply means 2000
Q. When and how to do addition and /or subtraction in Roman numerals?
Ans. For Addition, a bigger letter should precede a smaller letter and for subtraction, a smaller letter shall precede a bigger letter.
