If you are an avid movie fan then surely you may notice the presence of roman numerals in most film's credits. These numbers indicate the copyright dates and there will be those who will try and decipher the symbols. Whether they can do so accurately is another matter. They may find themselves forever wondering whether the movie made in 1954 or 1964! For some, this can prove frustrating due to Roman numeral rustiness.

Most of us first learn Roman numerals in grade school and experience a sense of wonderment in the ability to translate Arabic numbers into their Roman counterparts. This becomes a fun process because the ability to decipher these numbers is somewhat akin to cracking a code. When we stop coming in contact with Roman numerals, however, we tend to forget our skills. There is no reason to forget these skills because the translation process is not really difficult.

If you understand the basics of the Roman numeral system you will never forget it. The basic numerical values are as follows: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, M = 1000. The way in which these numbers are aligned will yield their numerical value. For example, to answer our previous question about the hypothetical movie's copyright, the year MCMLIV would be 1954.

But what is the exact formula that arrives at this figure?

The formula is relatively simple to understand. The value of the numbers is deciphered by examining how the numbers are placed together. If one number is followed by another number of the same value or lower value adding the numbers together will reveal the corresponding Arabic number. For example, "III" would equal 3. (I+I+I = 3) Now, if the number is followed by a number that is of a higher value then you subtract the lower number from the higher one. So, IV would equal 4. (V - I = 4) For larger number such as the aforementioned 1954 it becomes necessary to perform the subtractions first. Let's break that down: MCMLIV is derived from 1000+ [1000 -100] + 50 + [5 - 1]. When we perform the subtractions first we are left with 1000 +900 + 50 + 4 which equals 1954.

Now, there will be those studious individuals who will wonder how one converts Arabic numbers into Roman numerals. Again, this is not complicated. All that needs to be done is to "rank" the numbers in descending value. (Thousands, hundreds, tens, ones) So, 1954 becomes 1000, 900, 50, 4 which is M, CM, L, IV when put together is MCMLIV.

So what is it about the Roman numeral/Arabic numbering formula that makes it so difficult to remember? Practice or, more accurately, a lack of practice is generally the culprit. When we do not practice something regularly we lose our skill and familiarity with it. Thankfully, there is a unique method of practicing these numbers now available and it comes in the form of Roman numeral crossword puzzles.

These crossword puzzles are a unique spin on the traditional prose version of crossword puzzles. Instead of forming words, you are translating Arabic to Roman Numerals and vice versa. In taking part in these crosswords you can practice your skills on a regular basis and this will allow you to always remain sharp. Best of all, these crossword puzzles are a lot of fun so they take the chore out of learning. Doing one crossword puzzle a day can lead to tremendous increases in skill. However, you will find yourself doing more than one a day because these crossword puzzles are addictive. The end result of this will be a solid proficiency in converting Roman numerals to Arabic and vice versa. That is, of course, a skill to be envied!

Ken Stiles writes on a variety of subjects. He owns The Pencil Puzzle Connection Website: http://www.pencilpuzzles.com/crosswords.html Go here to find roman numeral crosswords for practice. Scroll down the page to find them.