For, if possible, let BD be so annexed, so that AD, DB are also straight lines incommensurable in square which make the squares on AD, DB added together medial, twice the rectangle AD, DB medial, and also the squares on AD, DB incommensurable with twice the rectangle AD, DB. [X. 78]
Let a rational straight line EF be set out, let EG equal to the squares on AC, CB be applied to EF, producing EM as breadth, and let HG equal to twice the rectangle AC, CB be applied to EF, producing HM as breadth;
therefore the remainder, the square on AB [II. 7], is equal to EL;
therefore AB is the “side” of EL.
Again, let EI equal to the squares on AD, DB be applied to EF, producing EN as breadth.
But the square on AB is also equal to EL;
therefore the remainder, twice the rectangle AD, DB [II. 7], is equal to HI.
Now, since the sum of the squares on AC, CB is medial and is equal to EG, therefore EG is also medial.
And it is applied to the rational straight line EF, producing EM as breadth;
therefore EM is rational and incommensurable in length with EF. [X. 22]
Again, since twice the rectangle AC, CB is medial and is equal to HG, therefore HG is also medial.
And it is applied to the rational straight line EF, producing HM as breadth;
therefore HM is rational and incommensurable in length with EF. [X. 22]
And, since the squares on AC, CB are incommensurable with twice the rectangle AC, CB, EG is also incommensurable with HG;
therefore EM is also incommensurable in length with MH. [VI. 1, X. 11]
And both are rational;
therefore EM, MH are rational straight lines commensurable in square only;
therefore EH is an apotome, and HM an annex to it. [X. 73]
Similarly we can prove that EH is again an apotome and HN an annex to it.
Therefore to an apotome different rational straight lines are annexed which are commensurable with the wholes in square only:
which was proved impossible. [X. 79]
Therefore no other straight line can be so annexed to AB.
Complete text
Book I