Proposition 21.
If on one of the sides of a triangle, from its extremities, there be constructed two straight lines meeting within the triangle, the straight lines so constructed will be less than the remaining two sides of the triangle, but will contain a greater
angle.
On BC, one of the sides of the triangle ABC, from its extremities B, C, let the two straight lines BD, DC be constructed meeting within the triangle; I say that BD, DC are less than the remaining two sides
of the triangle BA, AC, but contain an angle BDC greater than the angle BAC. For let BD be drawn through to E. Then, since in any triangle two sides are greater than the remaining
one, [I. 20]
Again, since, in the triangle CED,
For the same reason, moreover, in the triangle ABE also,
Therefore etc.
Q. E. D. 1 2