Ratios of Numbers is Distributive over Addition
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Theorem
In the words of Euclid:
- If there be as many numbers as we please in proportion, then, as one of the antecedents is to one of the consequents, so are all the antecedents to all of the consequents.
(The Elements: Book $\text{VII}$: Proposition $12$)
Proof
Let $A, B, C, D$ be as many numbers as we please in proportion, so that $A : B = C : D$.
We need to show that $A : B = A + C : B + D$.
We have that $A : B = C : D$.
So from Book $\text{VII}$ Definition $20$: Proportional, whatever aliquot part or aliquant part $A$ is of $B$, the same aliquot part or aliquant part is $C$ of $D$ also.
Therefore from:
and:
$A + C$ is the same aliquot part or aliquant part of $C + D$ that $A$ is of $B$.
So from Book $\text{VII}$ Definition $20$: Proportional, $A : B = A + C : B + D$.
$\blacksquare$
Historical Note
This proof is Proposition $12$ of Book $\text{VII}$ of Euclid's The Elements.
Sources
- 1926: Sir Thomas L. Heath: Euclid: The Thirteen Books of The Elements: Volume 2 (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): Book $\text{VII}$. Propositions