For those who can't figure it out, here is an online decimal to Roman converter.

Here is a link that might be useful: Convert decimal to Roman numerals

Showing my age here, but I remember when Roman numerals were taught to us in math class at school. Now they are shoved aside to get elementary school kids doing intro to algebra, intro to geometry, intro to trig, into to this and intro to that. I say there should still be room to teach Roman numerals.

PAM

Not to be too picky, the number 1 in Roman numerals is written 'I'--using the capital letter for 'i'

Hey PAM,
Settle down! While I agree that "Intro to trig" might be a bit high-level for elementary school children; perhaps a case might be made for geometry and algebra. Over all though, I believe that introducing another very different numbering system to those who are trying to grasp our decimal/arabic system would be a tad confusing. Actually, I cannot recall many instances when a familiarity with the Roman system was useful. Two that I can think of are that sometimes buildings have there construction date shown in Roman numerals; and of course, the "game" on this site.

Please note that I, like you, learned the Roman system in school. In all my mathmatics "experiences", from learning the "counting numbers" up to the "solving of high-level differential equations", I have not found a single use for Roman numerals, other than marking the chapters in some math textbooks.

Bottom line: I think that learning about Roman numerals is quite a useless "lifeskill".

Best Regards,
Bob

I disagree. As a teacher of elementary students, I have never seen a student confused by comparing roman and arabic numbering. They treat it as if learning a second language. In fact, some of my students enjoy the challenge of adding and subtracting in roman numerals. There is a logic and process involved in roman numerals that isn't there in arabic, and learning to think in a "different" way always benefits developing minds. They may never have to "use" it, but learning it does them good.

You also must know Roman numerals to do a proper outline--something else that seems to have fallen by the wayside.

Also helpful in crossword puzzles!

Knowing Roman numerals is helpful to work out how old some of the films and repeat programs are on TV!

And do you remember learning the binary system, and having to do math problems with that? And all those other "base (random number) systems.

While these might not be useful - meaning practical - skills, they are very valuable as mental exercises. They are scholarly challenges. And like the 3 years of Latin I took, besides helping with vocabulary - because it was so difficult for me, I learned patience, determination and persistence.

I think it is quite useful to be able to interpret and read aloud names of historical kings, like Louis XVI, Charles XII, Henry VIII and so on. Names and numbers of some popes as well, helps me to place them on a timeline.

Oddly enough, I was required to take 3 years of Latin in preparatory school, but we never had to learn Roman numerals. At first I hated Latin but really got to like the challenge in the end. Basically, I agree with cece, that anything that stretches our minds toward learning another way to think cannot be a bad thing.

Yes, I agree. Roman numerals are a useful bit of knowledge to have in our brains. My seven-year-old has intro to geometry in first grade. I do not doubt their capacity to learn the advanced ideas, but I wonder what those students are not learning to make room for all of this more advanced material.

And honestly Robert, I do not recall being unsettled in the least. So please do not tell me to settle down especially not with an exclamation point, thank you very much.

PAM

Right; I won't anymore.
Goodbye!
Bob

Roman numerals are still commonly used in our everyday modern world, so I believe it is valid to teach them. They are at least as common as they were when I was a child, in days of yore! And thank you, Dido, I was in serious need of a refresher - I have trouble remembering the D and M, probably because those aren't so commonly seen.

Yes, thank you for the reminder siobhan, I neglected to say thank you so...

Dido, thanks from me as well. I get confused with D and L so I also appreciate the time you spent typing your post.

PAM