Existence of Fraction of Number Smaller than Given

Proof

 * Euclid-X-1.png

Let $AB$ and $C$ be two unequal magnitudes such that $AB > C$.

From there exists a multiple of $C$ which is greater than $AB$.

Thus let $DE$ be a multiple of $C$ which is greater than $AB$.

Let $DE$ be divided into parts $DF$, $FG$ and $GE$ (for example) which are equal to $C$.

From $AB$ let $BH$ be subtracted which is greater than half $AB$.

From $AH$ let $HK$ be subtracted which is greater than half $AH$.

Let this process be continued until the divisions of $AB$ are equal in number to the divisions of $DE$.

Let $AK, KH, HB$ be divisions which are equal in number to $BF, FG, GE$.

We have that $DE > AB$.

From $DE$ there has been subtracted $EG$ which is less than half $DE$.

From $AB$ there has been subtracted $BH$ which is greater than half $AB$.

Therefore the remainder $GD$ of $DE$ is greater than the remainder $HA$ of $AB$.

From $GD$ there has been subtracted $GF$ which is half $GD$.

From $HA$ there has been subtracted $HK$ which is greater than half $HA$.

Therefore the remainder $DF$ of $GD$ is greater than the remainder $AK$ of $HA$.

But $DF = C$.

Therefore $C > AK$.

Therefore there is left of the magnitude $AB$ the magnitude $AK$ which is less than the lesser magnitude set out, which is $C$.