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How to Convert Arabic Numbers

When someone mentions the term "Arabic numerals," he or she is simply referring to the standard characters we use in any instance we don't spell a given number out in words. The alternative to using Arabic numerals, or numbers, is Roman numerals, whereby numbers are represented using alphabet characters like "X," "M" and "C." Although converting a number in Arabic numerals to Roman numerals has little practical significance these days, it can be a fun way to occupy a few minutes of your time.

Printout of rules of Roman numerals (see Resources 1)

Instructions

- 1
  Consider the number "2,587." Classic Technology Center founder Lee Seitz advises: "when converting to Roman numerals, convert each digit separately."
- 2
  Begin with the smallest digit, "7." Represent this digit as a sum, keeping in mind that the sum must entail the smallest possible quantity of numbers--and only numbers that can be expressed directly in Roman numeral form, such as "50" and "10." Begin with the largest digit first, or "5+1+1." Represent this using Roman numerals, "VII."
- 3
  Move on to the second digit, "8." Consider its place in the number and think of it as "80." Express this number as a sum--"50+10+10+10"--again, largest to smallest. Express this number as "LXXX" in Roman numerals.
- 4
  Recall that the third digit represents "500," which can be expressed by simply writing a "D."
- 5
  Think of the final digit, "2," as "2,000." Represent this number as a sum, "1000+1000." Write this as "MM" in Roman numerals.
- 6
  Assemble the results of Steps 2 through 5, starting at the right and working your way left. You should end up with MMDLXXXVII.

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