Multiples of Ratios of Numbers

Proof
Let the number $A$ by multiplying the two numbers $B, C$ to make $D, E$.

We need to show that:
 * $B : C = D : E$


 * Euclid-VII-17.png

We have that:
 * $A \times B = D$

Therefore $B$ measures $D$ according to the units in $A$.

But the unit $F$ also measures $A$ according to the units in it.

Therefore $F$ measures $A$ the same number of times that $B$ measures $D$.

So from :
 * $F : A = B : D$

For the same reason:
 * $F : A = C : E$

Therefore also:
 * $B : D = C : E$

So from :
 * $B : C = D : E$