HOW TO USE CONVERTER

3.3. Showing numbers in different numeral systems

The third part of the UN Converter can convert numbers writen in one numeral system into another (e.g. from binary into hexadecimal or Roman numeral system). If the input value is not a integer number, the number will be rounded down to the previous whole value. Conversions are done in real time as you type in your values.

Numbering systems are used to show different representations of numeric values. Each numbering system consists of characters that represent numeric digits. The binary, or base-2, numbering system is based on the same principles as the decimal, or base-10, numbering system. The only difference between the two numbering systems is that binary uses only two digits, 0 and 1, and the decimal numbering system uses 10 digits, 0 through 9. For base 16, you will need sixteen digits, and there are only ten numerals. So we use the letters A, B, C, D, E, F. These represent the decimal numbers 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.

Roman numerals

Roman Numerals are a numbering system that originated in the ancient Roman Empire and are still in use today. What are the rules for writing Roman numerals?

• In the Roman numeral system, the basic "digits" are the letters I, V, X, L, C, D, and M which represent the same numbers regardless of their position.
• Symbols are placed in order of value, starting with the largest values.
• When the higher numeral is placed before a lower numeral, the values of each Roman numeral are added.
• When smaller values precede larger values, the smaller values are subtracted from the larger values, and the result is added to the total.
• Do not repeat I, X, and C more than three times in a row. (Number 4 on a Roman numeral clock is usually written as IIII. )
• Symbols V, L, and D cannot appear more than once consecutively.
• Do not subtract a number from one that is more than 10 times greater: I may only precede V and X, X may only precede L and C, and C may only precede D and M.