Definition:Euclid's Definitions - Book X/3 - Rational Line Segment
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Definition
In the words of Euclid:
- With these hypotheses, it is proved that there exist straight lines infinite in multitude which are commensurable and incommensurable respectively, some in length only, and others in square also, with an assigned straight line. Let then the assigned straight line be called rational, and those straight lines which are commensurable with it, whether in length and in square or square only, rational, but those which are incommensurable with it irrational.
(The Elements: Book $\text{X}$: Definition $3$)
Sources
- 1926: Sir Thomas L. Heath: Euclid: The Thirteen Books of The Elements: Volume 3 (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Book $\text{X}$. Definitions