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BOOK I. PROPOSITIONS.

Proposition 1.

On a given finite straight line to construct an equilateral triangle.

Let AB be the given finite straight line.

Thus it is required to construct
an equilateral triangle on the straight line AB.

With centre A and distance AB let the circle BCD be described; [Post. 3]
again, with centre B and distance BA let the circle ACE be described; [Post. 3] and from the point C, in which the circles cut one another, to the points A, B let the straight lines CA, CB be joined. [Post. 1]

Now, since the point A is the centre of the circle CDB,

AC is equal to AB. [Def. 15]

Again, since the point B is the centre of the circle CAE,

BC is equal to BA. [Def. 15]

But CA was also proved equal to AB;
therefore each of the straight lines CA, CB is equal to AB.

And things which are equal to the same thing are also equal to one another; [C.N. 1]

therefore CA is also equal to CB.

Therefore the three straight lines CA, AB, BC are
equal to one another.

Euclid. Euclid's Elements. Sir Thomas Little Heath. New York. Dover. 1956.

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