Bibliotheca Polyglotta

If a first magnitude have to a second the same ratio as a third to a fourth, and the third have to the fourth a greater ratio than a fifth has to a sixth, the first will also have to the second a greater ratio than the fifth to the sixth. If a:b=c:d and c:d>e:f, then a:b>e:f.

數幾何。第一與二之比例。若第三與四之比例。而第三與四之比例。大於第五與六之比例。則第一與二之比例亦大於第五與六之比例。

For let a first magnitude A have to a second B the same ratio as a third C has to a fourth D, and let the third C have to the fourth D a greater ratio than a fifth E has to a sixth F; I say that the first A will also have to the second B a greater ratio than the fifth E to the sixth F.

For, since there are some equimultiples of C, E, and of D, F other, chance, equimultiples, such that the multiple of C is in excess of the multiple of D, while the multiple of E is not in excess of the multiple of F, [V. Def. 7] let them be taken, and let G, H be equimultiples of C, E, and K, L other, chance, equimultiples of D, F, so that G is in excess of K, but H is not in excess of L; and, whatever multiple G is of C, let M be also that multiple of A, and, whatever multiple K is of D, let N be also that multiple of B.

Now, since, as A is to B, so is C to D, and of A, C equimultiples M, G have been taken, and of B, D other, chance, equimultiples N, K, therefore, if M is in excess of N, G is also in excess of K, if equal, equal, and if less, less. [V. Def. 5] But G is in excess of K; therefore M is also in excess of N. But H is not in excess of L; and M, H are equimultiples of A, E, and N, L other, chance, equimultiples of B, F; therefore A has to B a greater ratio than E has to F. [V. Def. 7]

Therefore etc. Q. E. D.

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