# Construction of Equal Straight Lines from Unequal

## Theorem

Given two unequal straight line segments, it is possible to cut off from the greater a straight line segment equal to the lesser.

In the words of Euclid:

Given two unequal straight lines, to cut off from the greater straight line a straight line equal to the less.

## Construction

Let $AB$ and $C$ be the given straight line segments.

Let $AB$ be the greater of them.

At point $A$, we place $AD$ equal to $C$.

We construct a circle $DEF$ with center $A$ and radius $AD$.

The straight line segment $AE$ is the required line.

## Proof

As $A$ is the center of circle $DEF$, it follows from Book $\text{I}$ Definition $15$: Circle that $AE = AD$.

But $C$ is also equal to $AD$.

So, as $C = AD$ and $AD = AE$, it follows from Common Notion 1 that $AE = C$.

Therefore, given the two straight line segments $AB$ and $C$, from the greater of these $AB$, a length $AE$ has been cut off equal to the lesser $C$.

$\blacksquare$

## Historical Note

This theorem is Proposition $3$ of Book $\text{I}$ of Euclid's The Elements.