Book 10
95
Now let the square LM be constructed equal to AI, and let the square NO equal to FK and about the same angle, the angle LPM, be subtracted; therefore the squares LM, NO are about the same diameter. [VI. 26]
95
Let PR be their diameter, and let the figure be drawn.
95
Similarly then we can prove that LN is the side of the area AB.
95
I say that LN is the straight line which produces with a rational area a medial whole.
95
For, since AK was proved medial and is equal to the squares on LP, PN, therefore the sum of the squares on LP, PN is medial.
95
Again, since DK is rational and is equal to twice the rectangle LP, PN, the latter is itself also rational.
95
And, since AI is incommensurable with FK, therefore the square on LP is also incommensurable with the square on PN; therefore LP, PN are straight lines incommensurable in square which make the sum of the squares on them medial but twice the rectangle contained by them rational.
95
Therefore the remainder LN is the irrational straight line called that which produces with a rational area a medial whole; [X. 77] and it is the side of the area AB.
95
Therefore the side of the area AB is a straight line which produces with a rational area a medial whole. Q. E. D.
PROPOSITION 96.
96
If an area be contained by a rational straight line and a sixth apotome, the side of the area is a straight line which produces with a medial area a medial whole.
