For, since AD is a second binomial straight line, let it be divided into its terms at E, so that AE is the greater term;
therefore AE, ED are rational straight lines commensurable in square only, the square on AE is greater than the square on ED by the square on a straight line commensurable with AE, and the lesser term ED is commensurable in length with AB. [X. Deff. II. 2]
Let ED be bisected at F, and let there be applied to AE the rectangle AG, GE equal to the square on EF and deficient by a square figure;
therefore AG is commensurable in length with GE. [X. 17]
Through G, E, F let GH, EK, FL be drawn parallel to AB, CD, let the square SN be constructed equal to the parallelogram AH, and the square NQ equal to GK,
and let them be placed so that MN is in a straight line with NO;
therefore RN is also in a straight line with NP.
Let the square SQ be completed.
It is then manifest from what was proved before that MR is a mean proportional between SN, NQ and is equal to EL, and that MO is the “side” of the area AC.
It is now to be proved that MO is a first bimedial straight line.
Since AE is incommensurable in length with ED, while ED is commensurable with AB, therefore AE is incommensurable with AB. [X. 13]
And, since AG is commensurable with EG, AE is also commensurable with each of the straight lines AG, GE. [X. 15]
But AE is incommensurable in length with AB;
therefore AG, GE are also incommensurable with AB. [X. 13]
Therefore BA, AG and BA, GE are pairs of rational straight lines commensurable in square only;
so that each of the rectangles AH, GK is medial. [X. 21]
Hence each of the squares SN, NQ is medial.
Therefore MN, NO are also medial.