Proof: By Euclid
(related to Proposition: Prop. 10.045: Major Straight Line is Divisible Uniquely)
- Let $AB$ be a major (straight line) which has been divided at $C$, so that $AC$ and $CB$ are incommensurable in square, making the sum of the squares on $AC$ and $CB$ rational, and the (rectangle contained) by $AC$ and $CD$ medial [Prop. 10.39].
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I say that $AB$ cannot be (so) divided at another point.
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For, if possible, let it also have been divided at $D$, such that $AD$ and $DB$ are also incommensurable in square, making the sum of the (squares) on $AD$ and $DB$ rational, and the (rectangle contained) by them medial.
- And since, by whatever (amount the sum of) the (squares) on $AC$ and $CB$ differs from (the sum of) the (squares) on $AD$ and $DB$, twice the (rectangle contained) by $AD$ and $DB$ also differs from twice the (rectangle contained) by $AC$ and $CB$ by this (same amount).
- But, (the sum of) the (squares) on $AC$ and $CB$ exceeds (the sum of) the (squares) on $AD$ and $DB$ by a rational (area).
- For (they are) both rational (areas).
- Thus, twice the (rectangle contained) by $AD$ and $DB$ also exceeds twice the (rectangle contained) by $AC$ and $CB$ by a rational (area), (despite both) being medial (areas).
- The very thing is impossible [Prop. 10.26].
- Thus, a major (straight line) cannot be divided (into its component terms) at different points.
- Thus, it can only be (so) divided at the same (point).
- (Which is) the very thing it was required to show.
∎
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References
Adapted from (subject to copyright, with kind permission)
- Fitzpatrick, Richard: Euclid's "Elements of Geometry"