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PROPOSITION 4.

If a first magnitude have to a second the same ratio as a third to a fourth, any equimultiples whatever of the first and third will also have the same ratio to any equimultiples whatever of the second and fourth respectively, taken in corresponding order.

For let a first magnitude A have to a second B the same ratio as a third C to a fourth D; and let equimultiples E, F be taken of A, C, and G, H other, chance, equimultiples of B, D; I say that, as E is to G, so is F to H.

For let equimultiples K, L be taken of E, F, and other, chance, equimultiples M, N of G, H.

Since E is the same multiple of A that F is of C, and equimultiples K, L of E, F have been taken, therefore K is the same multiple of A that L is of C. [V. 3]

For the same reason

M is the same multiple of B that N is of D.

And, since, as A is to B, so is C to D, and of A, C equimultiples K, L have been taken, and of B, D other, chance, equimultiples M, N, therefore, if K is in excess of M, L also is in excess of N, if it is equal, equal, and if less, less. [V. Def. 5]

And K, L are equimultiples of E, F, and M, N other, chance, equimultiples of G, H; therefore, as E is to G, so is F to H. [V. Def. 5]

Therefore etc. Q. E. D.

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

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