Book 10
27
Then, since A, B are rational and commensurable in square only, the rectangle A, B, that is, the square on C [VI.17], is medial. [X. 21]
27
Therefore C is medial. [X. 21]
27
And since, as A is to B, so is C to D, and A, B are commensurable in square only, therefore C, D are also commensurable in square only. [X. 11]
27
And C is medial; therefore D is also medial. [X. 23, addition]
27
Therefore C, D are medial and commensurable in square only.
27
I say that they also contain a rational rectangle.
27
For since, as A is to B, so is C to D, therefore, alternately, as A is to C, so is B to D. [V. 16]
27
But, as A is to C, so is C to B; therefore also, as C is to B, so is B to D; therefore the rectangle C, D is equal to the square on B.
27
But the square on B is rational; therefore the rectangle C, D is also rational.
27
Therefore medial straight lines commensurable in square only have been found which contain a rational rectangle. Q. E. D.
PROPOSITION 28.
28
To find medial straight lines commensurable in square only which contain a medial rectangle.
28
Let the rational straight lines A, B, C commensurable in square only be set out; let D be taken a mean proportional between A, B, [VI. 13] and let it be contrived that, as B is to C, so is D to E. [VI. 12]
28
Since A, B are rational straight lines commensurable in square only, therefore the rectangle A, B, that is, the square on D [VI. 17], is medial. [X. 21]
28
Therefore D is medial. [X. 21]
