Let then the square LM be constructed equal to AI, and let there be subtracted NO equal to FK and being about the same angle with LM, namely the angle LPM;
therefore the squares LM, NO are about the same diameter. [VI. 26]
Let PR be their diameter, and let the figure be drawn.
Since then AI, FK are medial and are equal to the squares on LP, PN, the squares on LP, PN are also medial;
therefore LP, PN are also medial straight lines commensurable in square only.
And, since the rectangle AF, FG is equal to the square on EG,
therefore, as AF is to EG, so is EG to FG, [VI. 17]
while, as AF is to EG, so is AI to EK,
and, as EG is to FG, so is EK to FK; [VI. 1]
therefore EK is a mean proportional between AI, FK. [V. 11]
But MN is also a mean proportional between the squares LM, NO, and AI is equal to LM, and FK to NO;
therefore MN is also equal to EK.
But DH is equal to EK, and LO equal to MN;
therefore the whole DK is equal to the gnomon UVW and NO.
Since then the whole AK is equal to LM, NO, and, in these, DK is equal to the gnomon UVW and NO,
therefore the remainder AB is equal to TS.
But TS is the square on LN;
therefore the square on LN is equal to the area AB;
therefore LN is the “side” of the area AB.
I say that LN is a first apotome of a medial straight line.