That which produces Medial Whole with Rational Area 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 sum of the squares on them medial, but twice the rectangle contained by them rational, the remainder is irrational; and let it be called that which produces with a rational area a medial whole.
(The Elements: Book $\text{X}$: Proposition $77$)
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 medial
- the rectangle contained by $AB$ and $BC$ is rational
be cut off from $AB$.
We have that:
- $AB^2 + BC^2$ is medial
while:
- $2 \cdot AB \cdot BC$ is rational.
Therefore $AB^2 + BC^2$ is incommensurable with $2 \cdot AB \cdot BC$.
From:
and:
it follows that:
- $2 \cdot AB \cdot BC$ is incommensurable with $AC^2$.
But $2 \cdot AB \cdot BC$ is rational.
Therefore $AC^2$ is irrational.
Therefore $AC$ is irrational.
Such a straight line is known as that which produces with a rational area a medial whole.
$\blacksquare$
Historical Note
This proof is Proposition $77$ 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