Minor is Irrational
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Theorem
In the words of Euclid:
- If from a straight line there be subtracted a straight line which is incommensurable in square with the whole and which with the whole makes the squares on them added together rational, but the rectangle contained by them medial, the remainder is irrational; and let it be called a minor.
(The Elements: Book $\text{X}$: Proposition $76$)
Proof
Let $AB$ be a straight line.
Let a straight line $BC$ such that:
- $BC$ is incommensurable in square with $AB$
- $AB^2 + BC^2$ is rational
- the rectangle contained by $AB$ and $BC$ is medial
be cut off from $AB$.
We have that:
- $AB^2 + BC^2$ is rational
while:
- $2 \cdot AB \cdot BC$ is medial.
Therefore $AB^2 + BC^2$ is incommensurable with $2 \cdot AB \cdot BC$.
From:
and:
it follows that:
- $AB^2 + BC^2$ is incommensurable with $AC^2$.
But $AB^2 + BC^2$ is rational.
Therefore $AC^2$ is irrational.
Therefore $AC$ is irrational.
Such a straight line is known as a minor.
$\blacksquare$
Historical Note
This proof is Proposition $76$ of Book $\text{X}$ of Euclid's The Elements.
Sources
- 1926: Sir Thomas L. Heath: Euclid: The Thirteen Books of The Elements: Volume 3 (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Book $\text{X}$. Propositions