20. The least numbers of those which have the same ratio with them measure those which have the same ratio the same number of times, the greater the greater and the less the less. For let CD, EF be the least numbers of those which have the same ratio with A, B; I say that CD measures A the same number of times that EF measures B. Now CD is not parts of A. For, if possible, let it be so; therefore EF is also the same parts of B that CD is of A. [and ] Therefore, as many parts of A as there are in CD, so many parts of B are there also in EF. Let CD be divided into the parts of A, namely CG, GD, and EF into the parts of B, namely EH, HF; thus the multitude of CG, GD will be equal to the multitude of EH, HF. Now, since the numbers CG, GD are equal to one another, and the numbers EH, HF are also equal to one another, while the multitude of CG, GD is equal to the multitude of EH, HF, therefore, as CG is to EH, so is GD to HF. Therefore also, as one of the antecedents is to one of the consequents, so will all the antecedents be to all the consequents. [] Therefore, as CG is to EH, so is CD to EF. Therefore CG, EH are in the same ratio with CD, EF, being less than they: which is impossible, for by hypothesis CD, EF are the least numbers of those which have the same ratio with them. Therefore CD is not parts of A; therefore it is a part of it. [] And EF is the same part of B that CD is of A; [and ] therefore CD measures A the same number of times that EF measures B. Q. E. D.
20. οἱ ἐλάχιστοι ἀριθμοὶ τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς μετροῦσι τοὺς τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἔχοντας ἰσάκις ὅ τε μείζων τὸν μείζονα καὶ ὁ ἐλάσσων τὸν ἐλάσσονα. ἔστωσαν γὰρ ἐλάχιστοι ἀριθμοὶ τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων τοῖς Α, Β οἱ ΓΔ, ΕΖ· λέγω, ὅτι ἰσάκις ὁ ΓΔ τὸν Α μετρεῖ καὶ ὁ ΕΖ τὸν Β. ὁ ΓΔ γὰρ τοῦ Α οὔκ ἐστι μέρη. εἰ γὰρ δυνατόν, ἔστω· καὶ ὁ ΕΖ ἄρα τοῦ Β τὰ αὐτὰ μέρη ἐστίν, ἅπερ ὁ ΓΔ τοῦ Α. ὅσα ἄρα ἐστὶν ἐν τῷ ΓΔ μέρη τοῦ Α, τοσαῦτά ἐστι καὶ ἐν τῷ ΕΖ μέρη τοῦ Β. διῃρήσθω ὁ μὲν ΓΔ εἰς τὰ τοῦ Α μέρη τὰ ΓΗ, ΗΔ, ὁ δὲ ΕΖ εἰς τὰ τοῦ Β μέρη τὰ ΕΘ, ΘΖ· ἔσται δὴ ἴσον τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ΓΗ, ΗΔ τῷ πλήθει τῶν ΕΘ, ΘΖ. καὶ ἐπεὶ ἴσοι εἰσὶν οἱ ΓΗ, ΗΔ ἀριθμοὶ ἀλλήλοις, εἰσὶ δὲ καὶ οἱ ΕΘ, ΘΖ ἀριθμοὶ ἴσοι ἀλλήλοις, καί ἐστιν ἴσον τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ΓΗ, ΗΔ τῷ πλήθει τῶν ΕΘ, ΘΖ, ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ ΓΗ πρὸς τὸν ΕΘ, οὕτως ὁ ΗΔ πρὸς τὸν ΘΖ. ἔσται ἄρα καὶ ὡς εἷς τῶν ἡγουμένων πρὸς ἕνα τῶν ἑπομένων, οὕτως ἅπαντες οἱ ἡγούμενοι πρὸς ἅπαντας τοὺς ἑπομένους. ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ ΓΗ πρὸς τὸν ΕΘ, οὕτως ὁ ΓΔ πρὸς τὸν ΕΖ· οἱ ΓΗ, ΕΘ ἄρα τοῖς ΓΔ, ΕΖ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ εἰσὶν ἐλάσσονες ὄντες αὐτῶν· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον· ὑπόκεινται γὰρ οἱ ΓΔ, ΕΖ ἐλάχιστοι τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς. οὐκ ἄρα μέρη ἐστὶν ὁ ΓΔ τοῦ Α· μέρος ἄρα. καὶ ὁ ΕΖ τοῦ Β τὸ αὐτὸ μέρος ἐστίν, ὅπερ ὁ ΓΔ τοῦ Α· ἰσάκις ἄρα ὁ ΓΔ τὸν Α μετρεῖ καὶ ὁ ΕΖ τὸν Β· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
21. Numbers prime to one another are the least of those which have the same ratio with them. Let A, B be numbers prime to one another; I say that A, B are the least of those which have the same ratio with them. For, if not, there will be some numbers less than A, B which are in the same ratio with A, B. Let them be C, D. Since, then, the least numbers of those which have the same ratio measure those which have the same ratio the same number of times, the greater the greater and the less the less, that is, the antecedent the antecedent and the consequent the consequent, [] therefore C measures A the same number of times that D measures B. Now, as many times as C measures A, so many units let there be in E. Therefore D also measures B according to the units in E. And, since C measures A according to the units in E, therefore E also measures A according to the units in C. [] For the same reason E also measures B according to the units in D. [] Therefore E measures A, B which are prime to one another: which is impossible. [] Therefore there will be no numbers less than A, B which are in the same ratio with A, B. Therefore A, B are the least of those which have the same ratio with them. Q. E. D.
21. οἱ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀριθμοὶ ἐλάχιστοί εἰσι τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς. ἔστωσαν πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Α, Β· λέγω, ὅτι οἱ Α, Β ἐλάχιστοί εἰσι τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς. εἰ γὰρ μή, ἔσονταί τινες τῶν Α, Β ἐλάσσονες ἀριθμοὶ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ ὄντες τοῖς Α, Β. ἔστωσαν οἱ Γ, Δ. ἐπεὶ οὖν οἱ ἐλάχιστοι ἀριθμοὶ τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων [2αὐτοῖς]2 μετροῦσι τοὺς τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἔχοντας ἰσάκις ὅ τε μείζων τὸν μείζονα καὶ ὁ ἐλάττων τὸν ἐλάττονα, τουτέστιν ὅ τε ἡγούμενος τὸν ἡγούμενον καὶ ὁ ἑπόμενος τὸν ἑπόμενον, ἰσάκις ἄρα ὁ Γ τὸν Α μετρεῖ καὶ ὁ Δ τὸν Β. ὁσάκις δὴ ὁ Γ τὸν Α μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Ε. καὶ ὁ Δ ἄρα τὸν Β μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Ε μονάδας. καὶ ἐπεὶ ὁ Γ τὸν Α μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Ε μονάδας, καὶ ὁ Ε ἄρα τὸν Α μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Γ μονάδας. διὰ τὰ αὐτὰ δὴ ὁ Ε καὶ τὸν Β μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Δ μονάδας. ὁ Ε ἄρα τοὺς Α, Β μετρεῖ πρώτους ὄντας πρὸς ἀλλήλους· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα ἔσονταί τινες τῶν Α, Β ἐλάσσονες ἀριθμοὶ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ ὄντες τοῖς Α, Β. οἱ Α, Β ἄρα ἐλάχιστοί εἰσι τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
22. The least numbers of those which have the same ratio with them are prime to one another. Let A, B be the least numbers of those which have the same ratio with them; I say that A, B are prime to one another. For, if they are not prime to one another, some number will measure them. Let some number measure them, and let it be C. And, as many times as C measures A, so many units let there be in D, and, as many times as C measures B, so many units let there be in E Since C measures A according to the units in D, therefore C by multiplying D has made A. [] For the same reason also C by multiplying E has made B. Thus the number C by multiplying the two numbers D, E has made A, B; therefore, as D is to E, so is A to B; [] therefore D, E are in the same ratio with A, B, being less than they: which is impossible. Therefore no number will measure the numbers A, B. Therefore A, B are prime to one another. Q. E. D.
22. οἱ ἐλάχιστοι ἀριθμοὶ τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. ἔστωσαν ἐλάχιστοι ἀριθμοὶ τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς οἱ Α, Β· λέγω, ὅτι οἱ Α, Β πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. εἰ γὰρ μή εἰσι πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, μετρήσει τις αὐτοὺς ἀριθμός. μετρείτω, καὶ ἔστω ὁ Γ. καὶ ὁσάκις μὲν ὁ Γ τὸν Α μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Δ, ὁσάκις δὲ ὁ Γ τὸν Β μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Ε. ἐπεὶ ὁ Γ τὸν Α μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Δ μονάδας, ὁ Γ ἄρα τὸν Δ πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Α πεποίηκεν. διὰ τὰ αὐτὰ δὴ καὶ ὁ Γ τὸν Ε πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Β πεποίηκεν. ἀριθμὸς δὴ ὁ Γ δύο ἀριθμοὺς τοὺς Δ, Ε πολλαπλασιάσας τοὺς Α, Β πεποίηκεν· ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ Δ πρὸς τὸν Ε, οὕτως ὁ Α πρὸς τὸν Β· οἱ Δ, Ε ἄρα τοῖς Α, Β ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ εἰσὶν ἐλάσσονες ὄντες αὐτῶν· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα τοὺς Α, Β ἀριθμοὺς ἀριθμός τις μετρήσει. οἱ α, Β ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
23. If two number be prime to one another, the number which measures the one of them will be prime to the remaining number. Let A, B be two numbers prime to one another, and let any number C measure A; I say that C, B are also prime to one another. For, if C, B are not prime to one another, some number will measure C, B. Let a number measure them, and let it be D. Since D measures C, and C measures A, therefore D also measures A. But it also measures B; therefore D measures A, B which are prime to one another: which is impossible. [] Therefore no number will measure the numbers C, B. Therefore C, B are prime to one another. Q. E. D.
23. ἐὰν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ὦσιν, ὁ τὸν ἕνα αὐτῶν μετρῶν ἀριθμὸς πρὸς τὸν λοιπὸν πρῶτος ἔσται. ἔστωσαν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Α, Β, τὸν δὲ Α μετρείτω τις ἀριθμὸς ὁ Γ· λέγω, ὅτι καὶ οἱ Γ, Β πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. εἰ γὰρ μή εἰσιν οἱ Γ, Β πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, μετρήσει [τις] τοὺς Γ, Β ἀριθμός. μετρείτω, καὶ ἔστω ὁ Δ. ἐπεὶ ὁ Δ τὸν Γ μετρεῖ, ὁ δὲ Γ τὸν Α μετρεῖ, καὶ ὁ Δ ἄρα τὸν Α μετρεῖ. μετρεῖ δὲ καὶ τὸν Β· ὁ Δ ἄρα τοὺς Α, Β μετρεῖ πρώτους ὄντας πρὸς ἀλλήλους· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα τοὺς Γ, Β ἀριθμοὺς ἀριθμός τις μετρήσει. οἱ Γ, Β ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
24. If two numbers be prime to any number, their product also will be prime to the same. For let the two numbers A, B be prime to any number C, and let A by multiplying B make D; I say that C, D are prime to one another. For, if C, D are not prime to one another, some number will measure C, D. Let a number measure them, and let it be E. Now, since C, A are prime to one another, and a certain number E measures C, therefore A, E are prime to one another. [] As many times, then, as E measures D, so many units let there be in F; therefore F also measures D according to the units in E. [] Therefore E by multiplying F has made D. [] But, further, A by multiplying B has also made D; therefore the product of E, F is equal to the product of A, B. But, if the product of the extremes be equal to that of the means, the four numbers are proportional; [] therefore, as E is to A, so is B to F. But A, E are prime to one another, numbers which are prime to one another are also the least of those which have the same ratio, [] and the least numbers of those which have the same ratio with them measure those which have the same ratio the same number of times, the greater the greater and the less the less, that is, the antecedent the antecedent and the consequent the consequent; [] therefore E measures B. But it also measures C; therefore E measures B, C which are prime to one another: which is impossible. [] Therefore no number will measure the numbers C, D. Therefore C, D are prime to one another. Q. E. D.
24. ἐὰν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρός τινα ἀριθμὸν πρῶτοι ὦσιν, καὶ ὁ ἐξ αὐτῶν γενόμενος πρὸς τὸν αὐτὸν πρῶτος ἔσται. δύο γὰρ ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Α, Β πρός τινα ἀριθμὸν τὸν Γ πρῶτοι ἔστωσαν, καὶ ὁ α τὸν Β πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Δ ποιείτω· λέγω, ὅτι οἱ Γ, Δ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. εἰ γὰρ μή εἰσιν οἱ Γ, Δ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, μετρήσει [τις] τοὺς Γ, Δ ἀριθμός. μετρείτω, καὶ ἔστω ὁ Ε. καὶ ἐπεὶ οἱ Γ, Α πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν, τὸν δὲ Γ μετρεῖ τις ἀριθμὸς ὁ Ε, οἱ Α, Ε ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. ὁσάκις δὴ ὁ Ε τὸν Δ μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Ζ· καὶ ὁ Ζ ἄρα τὸν Δ μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Ε μονάδας. ὁ Ε ἄρα τὸν Ζ πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Δ πεποίηκεν. ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ ὁ Α τὸν Β πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Δ πεποίηκεν· ἴσος ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ ἐκ τῶν Ε, Ζ τῷ ἐκ τῶν Α, Β. ἐὰν δὲ ὁ ὑπὸ τῶν ἄκρων ἴσος ᾖ τῷ ὑπὸ τῶν μέσων, οἱ τέσσαρες ἀριθμοὶ ἀνάλογόν εἰσιν· ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ Ε πρὸς τὸν Α, οὕτως ὁ Β πρὸς τὸν Ζ. οἱ δὲ Α, Ε πρῶτοι, οἱ δὲ πρῶτοι καὶ ἐλάχιστοι, οἱ δὲ ἐλάχιστοι ἀριθμοὶ τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς μετροῦσι τοὺς τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἔχοντας ἰσάκις ὅ τε μείζων τὸν μείζονα καὶ ὁ ἐλάσσων τὸν ἐλάσσονα, τουτέστιν ὅ τε ἡγούμενος τὸν ἡγούμενον καὶ ὁ ἑπόμενος τὸν ἑπόμενον· ὁ Ε ἄρα τὸν Β μετρεῖ. μετρεῖ δὲ καὶ τὸν Γ· ὁ Ε ἄρα τοὺς Β, Γ μετρεῖ πρώτους ὄντας πρὸς ἀλλήλους· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα τοὺς Γ, Δ ἀριθμοὺς ἀριθμός τις μετρήσει. οἱ Γ, Δ ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
25. If two numbers be prime to one another, the product of one of them into itself will be prime to the remaining one. Let A, B be two numbers prime to one another, and let A by multiplying itself make C: I say that B, C are prime to one another. For let D be made equal to A. Since A, B are prime to one another, and A is equal to D, therefore D, B are also prime to one another. Therefore each of the two numbers D, A is prime to B; therefore the product of D, A will also be prime to B. [] But the number which is the product of D, A is C. Therefore C, B are prime to one another. Q. E. D.
25. ἐὰν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ὦσιν, ὁ ἐκ τοῦ ἑνὸς αὐτῶν γενόμενος πρὸς τὸν λοιπὸν πρῶτος ἔσται. ἔστωσαν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Α, Β, καὶ ὁ Α ἑαυτὸν πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Γ ποιείτω· λέγω, ὅτι οἱ Β, Γ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. κείσθω γὰρ τῷ Α ἴσος ὁ Δ. ἐπεὶ οἱ Α, Β πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν, ἴσος δὲ ὁ Α τῷ Δ, καὶ οἱ Δ, Β ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. ἑκάτερος ἄρα τῶν Δ, Α πρὸς τὸν Β πρῶτός ἐστιν· καὶ ὁ ἐκ τῶν Δ, Α ἄρα γενόμενος πρὸς τὸν Β πρῶτος ἔσται. ὁ δὲ ἐκ τῶν Δ, Α γενόμενος ἀριθμός ἐστιν ὁ Γ. οἱ Γ, Β ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
26. If two numbers be prime to two numbers, both to each, their products also will be prime to one another. For let the two numbers A, B be prime to the two numbers C, D; both to each, and let A by multiplying B make E, and let C by multiplying D make F; I say that E, F are prime to one another. For, since each of the numbers A, B is prime to C, therefore the product of A, B will also be prime to C. [] But the product of A, B is E; therefore E, C are prime to one another. For the same reason E, D are also prime to one another. Therefore each of the numbers C, D is prime to E. Therefore the product of C, D will also be prime to E. [] But the product of C, D is F. Therefore E, F are prime to one another. Q. E. D.
26. ἐὰν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρὸς δύο ἀριθμοὺς ἀμφότεροι πρὸς ἑκάτερον πρῶτοι ὦσιν, καὶ οἱ ἐξ αὐτῶν γενόμενοι πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔσονται. δύο γὰρ ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Α, Β πρὸς δύο ἀριθμοὺς τοὺς Γ, Δ ἀμφότεροι πρὸς ἑκάτερον πρῶτοι ἔστωσαν, καὶ ὁ μὲν Α τὸν Β πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Ε ποιείτω, ὁ δὲ Γ τὸν Δ πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Ζ ποιείτω· λέγω, ὅτι οἱ Ε, Ζ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. ἐπεὶ γὰρ ἑκάτερος τῶν Α, Β πρὸς τὸν Γ πρῶτός ἐστιν, καὶ ὁ ἐκ τῶν Α, Β ἄρα γενόμενος πρὸς τὸν Γ πρῶτος ἔσται. ὁ δὲ ἐκ τῶν Α, Β γενόμενός ἐστιν ὁ Ε· οἱ Ε, Γ ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. διὰ τὰ αὐτὰ δὴ καὶ οἱ Δ, Ε πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. ἑκάτερος ἄρα τῶν Γ, Δ πρὸς τὸν Ε πρῶτός ἐστιν. καὶ ὁ ἐκ τῶν Γ, Δ ἄρα γενόμενος πρὸς τὸν Ε πρῶτος ἔσται. ὁ δὲ ἐκ τῶν Γ, Δ γενόμενός ἐστιν ὁ Ζ. οἱ Ε, Ζ ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
27. If two numbers be prime to one another, and each by multiplying itself make a certain number, the products will be prime to one another; and, if the original numbers by multiplying the products make certain numbers, the latter will also be prime to one another [and this is always the case with the extremes]. Let A, B be two numbers prime to one another, let A by multiplying itself make C, and by multiplying C make D, and let B by multiplying itself make E, and by multiplying E make F; I say that both C, E and D, F are prime to one another. For, since A, B are prime to one another, and A by multiplying itself has made C, therefore C, B are prime to one another. [] Since then C, B are prime to one another, and B by multiplying itself has made E, therefore C, E are prime to one another. [id.] Again, since A, B are prime to one another, and B by multiplying itself has made E, therefore A, E are prime to one another. [id.] Since then the two numbers A, C are prime to the two numbers B, E, both to each, therefore also the product of A, C is prime to the product of B, E. [] And the product of A, C is D, and the product of B, E is F. Therefore D, F are prime to one another. Q. E. D.
27. ἐὰν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ὦσιν, καὶ πολλαπλασιάσας ἑκάτερος ἑαυτὸν ποιῇ τινα, οἱ γενόμενοι ἐξ αὐτῶν πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔσονται, κἂν οἱ ἐξ ἀρχῆς τοὺς γενομένους πολλαπλασιάσαντες ποιῶσί τινας, κἀκεῖνοι πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔσονται [καὶ ἀεὶ περὶ τοὺς ἄκρους τοῦτο συμβαίνει]. ἔστωσαν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Α, Β, καὶ ὁ Α ἑαυτὸν μὲν πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Γ ποιείτω, τὸν δὲ Γ πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Δ ποιείτω, ὁ δὲ Β ἑαυτὸν μὲν πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Ε ποιείτω, τὸν δὲ Ε πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Ζ ποιείτω· λέγω, ὅτι οἵ τε Γ, Ε καὶ οἱ Δ, Ζ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. ἐπεὶ γὰρ οἱ Α, Β πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν, καὶ ὁ Α ἑαυτὸν πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Γ πεποίηκεν, οἱ Γ, Β ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. ἐπεὶ οὖν οἱ Γ, Β πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν, καὶ ὁ Β ἑαυτὸν πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Ε πεποίηκεν, οἱ Γ, Ε ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. πάλιν, ἐπεὶ οἱ Α, Β πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν, καὶ ὁ Β ἑαυτὸν πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Ε πεποίηκεν, οἱ Α, Ε ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. ἐπεὶ οὖν δύο ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Α, Γ πρὸς δύο ἀριθμοὺς τοὺς Β, Ε ἀμφότεροι πρὸς ἑκάτερον πρῶτοί εἰσιν, καὶ ὁ ἐκ τῶν Α, Γ ἄρα γενόμενος πρὸς τὸν ἐκ τῶν Β, Ε πρῶτός ἐστιν. καί ἐστιν ὁ μὲν ἐκ τῶν Α, Γ ὁ Δ, ὁ δὲ ἐκ τῶν Β, Ε ὁ Ζ. οἱ Δ, Ζ ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
28. If two numbers be prime to one another, the sum will also be prime to each of them; and, if the sum of two numbers be prime to any one of them, the original numbers will also be prime to one another. For let two numbers AB, BC prime to one another be added; I say that the sum AC is also prime to each of the numbers AB, BC. For, if CA, AB are not prime to one another, some number will measure CA, AB. Let a number measure them, and let it be D. Since then D measures CA, AB, therefore it will also measure the remainder BC. But it also measures BA; therefore D measures AB, BC which are prime to one another: which is impossible. [] Therefore no number will measure the numbers CA, AB; therefore CA, AB are prime to one another. For the same reason AC, CB are also prime to one another. Therefore CA is prime to each of the numbers AB, BC. Again, let CA, AB be prime to one another; I say that AB, BC are also prime to one another. For, if AB, BC are not prime to one another, some number will measure AB, BC. Let a number measure them, and let it be D. Now, since D measures each of the numbers AB, BC, it will also measure the whole CA. But it also measures AB; therefore D measures CA, AB which are prime to one another: which is impossible. [] Therefore no number will measure the numbers AB, BC. Therefore AB, BC are prime to one another. Q. E. D.
28. ἐὰν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ὦσιν, καὶ συναμφότερος πρὸς ἑκάτερον αὐτῶν πρῶτος ἔσται· καὶ ἐὰν συναμφότερος πρὸς ἕνα τινὰ αὐτῶν πρῶτος ᾖ, καὶ οἱ ἐξ ἀρχῆς ἀριθμοὶ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔσονται. Συγκείσθωσαν γὰρ δύο ἀριθμοὶ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ ΑΒ, ΒΓ· λέγω, ὅτι καὶ συναμφότερος ὁ ΑΓ πρὸς ἑκάτερον τῶν ΑΒ, ΒΓ πρῶτός ἐστιν. εἰ γὰρ μή εἰσιν οἱ ΓΑ, ΑΒ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, μετρήσει τις τοὺς ΓΑ, ΑΒ ἀριθμός. μετρείτω, καὶ ἔστω ὁ Δ. ἐπεὶ οὖν ὁ Δ τοὺς ΓΑ, ΑΒ μετρεῖ, καὶ λοιπὸν ἄρα τὸν ΒΓ μετρήσει. μετρεῖ δὲ καὶ τὸν ΒΑ· ὁ Δ ἄρα τοὺς ΑΒ, ΒΓ μετρεῖ πρώτους ὄντας πρὸς ἀλλήλους· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα τοὺς ΓΑ, ΑΒ ἀριθμοὺς ἀριθμός τις μετρήσει· οἱ ΓΑ, ΑΒ ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. διὰ τὰ αὐτὰ δὴ καὶ οἱ ΑΓ, ΓΒ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. ὁ ΓΑ ἄρα πρὸς ἑκάτερον τῶν ΑΒ, ΒΓ πρῶτός ἐστιν. ἔστωσαν δὴ πάλιν οἱ ΓΑ, ΑΒ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους· λέγω, ὅτι καὶ οἱ ΑΒ, ΒΓ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. εἰ γὰρ μή εἰσιν οἱ ΑΒ, ΒΓ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, μετρήσει τις τοὺς ΑΒ, ΒΓ ἀριθμός. μετρείτω, καὶ ἔστω ὁ Δ. καὶ ἐπεὶ ὁ Δ ἑκάτερον τῶν ΑΒ, ΒΓ μετρεῖ, καὶ ὅλον ἄρα τὸν ΓΑ μετρήσει. μετρεῖ δὲ καὶ τὸν ΑΒ· ὁ Δ ἄρα τοὺς ΓΑ, ΑΒ μετρεῖ πρώτους ὄντας πρὸς ἀλλήλους· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα τοὺς ΑΒ, ΒΓ ἀριθμοὺς ἀριθμός τις μετρήσει. οἱ ΑΒ, ΒΓ ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
29. Any prime number is prime to any number which it does not measure. Let A be a prime number, and let it not measure B; I say that B, A are prime to one another. For, if B, A are not prime to one another, some number will measure them. Let C measure them. Since C measures B, and A does not measure B, therefore C is not the same with A. Now, since C measures B, A, therefore it also measures A which is prime, though it is not the same with it: which is impossible. Therefore no number will measure B, A. Therefore A, B are prime to one another. Q. E. D.
29. ἅπας πρῶτος ἀριθμὸς πρὸς ἅπαντα ἀριθμόν, ὃν μὴ μετρεῖ, πρῶτός ἐστιν. ἔστω πρῶτος ἀριθμὸς ὁ Α καὶ τὸν Β μὴ μετρείτω· λέγω, ὅτι οἱ Β, Α πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. εἰ γὰρ μή εἰσιν οἱ Β, Α πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, μετρήσει τις αὐτοὺς ἀριθμός. μετρείτω ὁ Γ. ἐπεὶ ὁ Γ τὸν Β μετρεῖ, ὁ δὲ Α τὸν Β οὐ μετρεῖ, ὁ Γ ἄρα τῷ Α οὔκ ἐστιν ὁ αὐτός. καὶ ἐπεὶ ὁ Γ τοὺς Β, Α μετρεῖ, καὶ τὸν Α ἄρα μετρεῖ πρῶτον ὄντα μὴ ὢν αὐτῷ ὁ αὐτός· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα τοὺς Β, Α μετρήσει τις ἀριθμός. οἱ Α, Β ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
30. If two numbers by multiplying one another make some number, and any prime number measure the product, it will also measure one of the original numbers. For let the two numbers A, B by multiplying one another make C, and let any prime number D measure C; I say that D measures one of the numbers A, B. For let it not measure A. Now D is prime; therefore A, D are prime to one another. [] And, as many times as D measures C, so many units let there be in E. Since then D measures C according to the units in E, therefore D by multiplying E has made C. [] Further, A by multiplying B has also made C; therefore the product of D, E is equal to the product of A, B. Therefore, as D is to A, so is B to E. [] But D, A are prime to one another, primes are also least, [] and the least measure the numbers which have the same ratio the same number of times, the greater the greater and the less the less, that is, the antecedent the antecedent and the consequent the consequent; [] therefore D measures B. Similarly we can also show that, if D do not measure B, it will measure A. Therefore D measures one of the numbers A, B. Q. E. D.
30. ἐὰν δύο ἀριθμοὶ πολλαπλασιάσαντες ἀλλήλους ποιῶσί τινα, τὸν δὲ γενόμενον ἐξ αὐτῶν μετρῇ τις πρῶτος ἀριθμός, καὶ ἕνα τῶν ἐξ ἀρχῆς μετρήσει. δύο γὰρ ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Α, Β πολλαπλασιάσαντες ἀλλήλους τὸν Γ ποιείτωσαν, τὸν δὲ Γ μετρείτω τις πρῶτος ἀριθμὸς ὁ Δ· λέγω, ὅτι ὁ Δ ἕνα τῶν Α, Β μετρεῖ. τὸν γὰρ Α μὴ μετρείτω· καί ἐστι πρῶτος ὁ Δ· οἱ Α, Δ ἄρα πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν. καὶ ὁσάκις ὁ Δ τὸν Γ μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Ε. ἐπεὶ οὖν ὁ Δ τὸν Γ μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Ε μονάδας, ὁ Δ ἄρα τὸν Ε πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Γ πεποίηκεν. ἀλλὰ μὴν καὶ ὁ Α τὸν β πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Γ πεποίηκεν· ἴσος ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ ἐκ τῶν Δ, Ε τῷ ἐκ τῶν Α, Β. ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ Δ πρὸς τὸν Α, οὕτως ὁ Β πρὸς τὸν Ε. οἱ δὲ Δ, Α πρῶτοι, οἱ δὲ πρῶτοι καὶ ἐλάχιστοι, οἱ δὲ ἐλάχιστοι μετροῦσι τοὺς τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἔχοντας ἰσάκις ὅ τε μείζων τὸν μείζονα καὶ ὁ ἐλάσσων τὸν ἐλάσσονα, τουτέστιν ὅ τε ἡγούμενος τὸν ἡγούμενον καὶ ὁ ἑπόμενος τὸν ἑπόμενον· ὁ Δ ἄρα τὸν Β μετρεῖ. ὁμοίως δὴ δείξομεν, ὅτι καὶ ἐὰν τὸν Β μὴ μετρῇ, τὸν Α μετρήσει. ὁ Δ ἄρα ἕνα τῶν Α, Β μετρεῖ· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
31. Any composite number is measured by some prime number. Let A be a composite number; I say that A is measured by some prime number. For, since A is composite, some number will measure it. Let a number measure it, and let it be B. Now, if B is prime, what was enjoined will have been done. But if it is composite, some number will measure it. Let a number measure it, and let it be C. Then, since C measures B, and B measures A, therefore C also measures A. And, if C is prime, what was enjoined will have been done. But if it is composite, some number will measure it. Thus, if the investigation be continued in this way, some prime number will be found which will measure the number before it, which will also measure A. For, if it is not found, an infinite series of numbers will measure the number A, each of which is less than the other: which is impossible in numbers. Therefore some prime number will be found which will measure the one before it, which will also measure A. Therefore any composite number is measured by some prime number.
31. ἅπας σύνθετος ἀριθμὸς ὑπὸ πρώτου τινὸς ἀριθμοῦ μετρεῖται. ἔστω σύνθετος ἀριθμὸς ὁ Α· λέγω, ὅτι ὁ Α ὑπὸ πρώτου τινὸς ἀριθμοῦ μετρεῖται. ʼἐπεὶ γὰρ σύνθετός ἐστιν ὁ Α, μετρήσει τις αὐτὸν ἀριθμός. μετρείτω, καὶ ἔστω ὁ Β. καὶ εἰ μὲν πρῶτός ἐστιν ὁ Β, γεγονὸς ἂν εἴη τὸ ἐπιταχθέν. εἰ δὲ σύνθετος, μετρήσει τις αὐτὸν ἀριθμός. μετρείτω, καὶ ἔστω ὁ Γ. καὶ ἐπεὶ ὁ Γ τὸν Β μετρεῖ, ὁ δὲ Β τὸν Α μετρεῖ, καὶ ὁ Γ ἄρα τὸν Α μετρεῖ. καὶ εἰ μὲν πρῶτός ἐστιν ὁ Γ, γεγονὸς ἂν εἴη τὸ ἐπιταχθέν. εἰ δὲ σύνθετος, μετρήσει τις αὐτὸν ἀριθμός. τοιαύτης δὴ γινομένης ἐπισκέψεως ληφθήσεταί τις πρῶτος ἀριθμός, ὃς μετρήσει. εἰ γὰρ οὐ ληφθήσεται, μετρήσουσι τὸν Α ἀριθμὸν ἄπειροι ἀριθμοί, ὧν ἕτερος ἑτέρου ἐλάσσων ἐστίν· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον ἐν ἀριθμοῖς. ληφθήσεταί τις ἄρα πρῶτος ἀριθμός, ὃς μετρήσει τὸν πρὸ ἑαυτοῦ, ὃς καὶ τὸν Α μετρήσει. ἅπας ἄρα σύνθετος ἀριθμὸς ὑπὸ πρώτου τινὸς ἀριθμοῦ μετρεῖται· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
32. Any number either is prime or is measured by some prime number. Let A be a number; I say that A either is prime or is measured by some prime number. If now A is prime, that which was enjoined will have been done. But if it is composite, some prime number will measure it. [] Therefore any number either is prime or is measured by some prime number. Q. E. D.
32. ἅπας ἀριθμὸς ἤτοι πρῶτός ἐστιν ἢ ὑπὸ πρώτου τινὸς ἀριθμοῦ μετρεῖται. ἔστω ἀριθμὸς ὁ Α· λέγω, ὅτι ὁ Α ἤτοι πρῶτός ἐστιν ἢ ὑπὸ πρώτου τινὸς ἀριθμοῦ μετρεῖται. εἰ μὲν οὖν πρῶτός ἐστιν ὁ Α, γεγονὸς ἂν εἴη τὸ ἐπιταχθέν. εἰ δὲ σύνθετος, μετρήσει τις αὐτὸν πρῶτος ἀριθμός. ἅπας ἄρα ἀριθμὸς ἤτοι πρῶτός ἐστιν ἢ ὑπὸ πρώτου τινὸς ἀριθμοῦ μετρεῖται· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
33. Given as many numbers as we please, to find the least of those which have the same ratio with them. Let A, B, C be the given numbers, as many as we please; thus it is required to find the least of those which have the same ratio with A, B, C. A, B, C are either prime to one another or not. Now, if A, B, C are prime to one another, they are the least of those which have the same ratio with them. [] But, if not, let D the greatest common measure of A, B, C be taken, [] and, as many times as D measures the numbers A, B, C respectively, so many units let there be in the numbers E, F, G respectively. Therefore the numbers E, F, G measure the numbers A, B, C respectively according to the units in D. [] Therefore E, F, G measure A, B, C the same number of times; therefore E, F, G are in the same ratio with A, B, C. [] I say next that they are the least that are in that ratio. For, if E, F, G are not the least of those which have the same ratio with A, B, C, there will be numbers less than E, F, G which are in the same ratio with A, B, C. Let them be H, K, L; therefore H measures A the same number of times that the numbers K, L measure the numbers B, C respectively. Now, as many times as H measures A, so many units let there be in M; therefore the numbers K, L also measure the numbers B, C respectively according to the units in M. And, since H measures A according to the units in M, therefore M also measures A according to the units in H. [] For the same reason M also measures the numbers B, C according to the units in the numbers K, L respectively; Therefore M measures A, B, C. Now, since H measures A according to the units in M, therefore H by multiplying M has made A. [] For the same reason also E by multiplying D has made A. Therefore the product of E, D is equal to the product of H, M. Therefore, as E is to H, so is M to D. [] But E is greater than H; therefore M is also greater than D. And it measures A, B, C: which is impossible, for by hypothesis D is the greatest common measure of A, B, C. Therefore there cannot be any numbers less than E, F, G which are in the same ratio with A, B, C. Therefore E, F, G are the least of those which have the same ratio with A, B, C. Q. E. D.
33. ἀριθμῶν δοθέντων ὁποσωνοῦν εὑρεῖν τοὺς ἐλαχίστους τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς. ἔστωσαν οἱ δοθέντες ὁποσοιοῦν ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Α, Β, Γ· δεῖ δὴ εὑρεῖν τοὺς ἐλαχίστους τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων τοῖς Α, Β, Γ. οἱ Α, Β, Γ γὰρ ἤτοι πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσὶν ἢ οὔ. εἰ μὲν οὖν οἱ Α, Β, Γ πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσίν, ἐλάχιστοί εἰσι τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων αὐτοῖς. εἰ δὲ οὔ, εἰλήφθω τῶν Α, Β, Γ τὸ μέγιστον κοινὸν μέτρον ὁ Δ, καὶ ὁσάκις ὁ Δ ἕκαστον τῶν Α, Β, Γ μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν ἑκάστῳ τῶν Ε, Ζ, Η. καὶ ἕκαστος ἄρα τῶν Ε, Ζ, Η ἕκαστον τῶν Α, Β, Γ μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Δ μονάδας. οἱ Ε, Ζ, Η ἄρα τοὺς Α, Β, Γ ἰσάκις μετροῦσιν· οἱ Ε, Ζ, Η ἄρα τοῖς Α, Β, Γ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ εἰσίν. λέγω δή, ὅτι καὶ ἐλάχιστοι. εἰ γὰρ μή εἰσιν οἱ Ε, Ζ, Η ἐλάχιστοι τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων τοῖς Α, Β, Γ, ἔσονται [τινες] τῶν Ε, Ζ, Η ἐλάσσονες ἀριθμοὶ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ ὄντες τοῖς Α, Β, Γ. ἔστωσαν οἱ Θ, Κ, Λ· ἰσάκις ἄρα ὁ Θ τὸν Α μετρεῖ καὶ ἑκάτερος τῶν Κ, Λ ἑκάτερον τῶν Β, Γ. ὁσάκις δὲ ὁ Θ τὸν Α μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Μ· καὶ ἑκάτερος ἄρα τῶν Κ, Λ ἑκάτερον τῶν Β, Γ μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Μ μονάδας. καὶ ἐπεὶ ὁ Θ τὸν Α μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Μ μονάδας, καὶ ὁ Μ ἄρα τὸν Α μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Θ μονάδας. διὰ τὰ αὐτὰ δὴ ὁ Μ καὶ ἑκάτερον τῶν Β, Γ μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν ἑκατέρῳ τῶν Κ, Λ μονάδας· ὁ Μ ἄρα τοὺς Α, Β, Γ μετρεῖ. καὶ ἐπεὶ ὁ Θ τὸν Α μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Μ μονάδας, ὁ Θ ἄρα τὸν Μ πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Α πεποίηκεν. διὰ τὰ αὐτὰ δὴ καὶ ὁ Ε τὸν Δ πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Α πεποίηκεν. ἴσος ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ ἐκ τῶν Ε, Δ τῷ ἐκ τῶν Θ, Μ. ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ Ε πρὸς τὸν Θ, οὕτως ὁ Μ πρὸς τὸν Δ. μείζων δὲ ὁ Ε τοῦ Θ· μείζων ἄρα καὶ ὁ Μ τοῦ Δ. καὶ μετρεῖ τοὺς Α, Β, Γ· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον· ὑπόκειται γὰρ ὁ Δ τῶν Α, Β, Γ τὸ μέγιστον κοινὸν μέτρον. οὐκ ἄρα ἔσονταί τινες τῶν Ε, Ζ, Η ἐλάσσονες ἀριθμοὶ ἐν τῷ αὐτῷ λόγῳ ὄντες τοῖς Α, Β, Γ. οἱ Ε, Ζ, Η ἄρα ἐλάχιστοί εἰσι τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων τοῖς Α, Β, Γ· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
34. Given two numbers, to find the least number which they measure. Let A, B be the two given numbers; thus it is required to find the least number which they measure. Now A, B are either prime to one another or not. First, let A, B be prime to one another, and let A by multiplying B make C; therefore also B by multiplying A has made C. [] Therefore A, B measure C I say next that it is also the least number they measure. For, if not, A, B will measure some number which is less than C. Let them measure D. Then, as many times as A measures D, so many units let there be in E, and, as many times as B measures D, so many units let there be in F; therefore A by multiplying E has made D, and B by multiplying F has made D; [] therefore the product of A, E is equal to the product of B, F. Therefore, as A is to B, so is F E. [] But A, B are prime, primes are also least, [] and the least measure the numbers which have the same ratio the same number of times, the greater the greater and the less the less; [] therefore B measures E, as consequent consequent. And, since A by multiplying B, E has made C, D, therefore, as B is to E, so is C to D. [] But B measures E; therefore C also measures D, the greater the less: which is impossible. Therefore A, B do not measure any number less than C; therefore C is the least that is measured by A, B. Next, let A, B not be prime to one another, and let F, E, the least numbers of those which have the same ratio with A, B, be taken; [] therefore the product of A, E is equal to the product of B, F. [] And let A by multiplying E make C; therefore also B by multiplying F has made C; therefore A, B measure C. I say next that it is also the least number that they measure. For, if not, A, B will measure some number which is less than C. Let them measure D. And, as many times as A measures D, so many units let there be in G, and, as many times as B measures D, so many units let there be in H. Therefore A by multiplying G has made D, and B by multiplying H has made D. Therefore the product of A, G is equal to the product of B, H; therefore, as A is to B, so is H to G. [] But, as A is to B, so is F to E. Therefore also, as F is to E, so is H to G. But F, E are least, and the least measure the numbers which have the same ratio the same number of times, the greater the greater and the less the less; [] therefore E measures G. And, since A by multiplying E, G has made C, D, therefore, as E is to G, so is C to D. [] But E measures G; therefore C also measures D, the greater the less: which is impossible. Therefore A, B will not measure any number which is less than C. Therefore C is the least that is measured by A, B. Q. E. D.
34. δύο ἀριθμῶν δοθέντων εὑρεῖν, ὃν ἐλάχιστον μετροῦσιν ἀριθμόν. ἔστωσαν οἱ δοθέντες δύο ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Α, Β· δεῖ δὴ εὑρεῖν, ὃν ἐλάχιστον μετροῦσιν ἀριθμόν. οἱ Α, Β γὰρ ἤτοι πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους εἰσὶν ἢ οὔ. ἔστωσαν πρότερον οἱ Α, Β πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, καὶ ὁ Α τὸν Β πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Γ ποιείτω· καὶ ὁ Β ἄρα τὸν Α πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Γ πεποίηκεν. οἱ Α, Β ἄρα τὸν Γ μετροῦσιν. λέγω δή, ὅτι καὶ ἐλάχιστον. εἰ γὰρ μή, μετρήσουσί τινα ἀριθμὸν οἱ Α, Β ἐλάσσονα ὄντα τοῦ Γ. μετρείτωσαν τὸν Δ. καὶ ὁσάκις ὁ Α τὸν Δ μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Ε, ὁσάκις δὲ ὁ Β τὸν Δ μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Ζ· ὁ μὲν Α ἄρα τὸν Ε πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Δ πεποίηκεν, ὁ δὲ Β τὸν Ζ πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Δ πεποίηκεν· ἴσος ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ ἐκ τῶν Α, Ε τῷ ἐκ τῶν Β, Ζ. ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ Α πρὸς τὸν Β, οὕτως ὁ Ζ πρὸς τὸν Ε. οἱ δὲ Α, Β πρῶτοι, οἱ δὲ πρῶτοι καὶ ἐλάχιστοι, οἱ δὲ ἐλάχιστοι μετροῦσι τοὺς τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἔχοντας ἰσάκις ὅ τε μείζων τὸν μείζονα καὶ ὁ ἐλάσσων τὸν ἐλάσσονα· ὁ Β ἄρα τὸν Ε μετρεῖ, ὡς ἑπόμενος ἑπόμενον. καὶ ἐπεὶ ὁ Α τοὺς Β, Ε πολλαπλασιάσας τοὺς Γ, Δ πεποίηκεν, ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ Β πρὸς τὸν Ε, οὕτως ὁ Γ πρὸς τὸν Δ. μετρεῖ δὲ ὁ Β τὸν Ε· μετρεῖ ἄρα καὶ ὁ Γ τὸν Δ ὁ μείζων τὸν ἐλάσσονα· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα οἱ Α, Β μετροῦσί τινα ἀριθμὸν ἐλάσσονα ὄντα τοῦ Γ. ὁ Γ ἄρα ἐλάχιστος ὢν ὑπὸ τῶν Α, Β μετρεῖται. μὴ ἔστωσαν δὴ οἱ Α, Β πρῶτοι πρὸς ἀλλήλους, καὶ εἰλήφθωσαν ἐλάχιστοι ἀριθμοὶ τῶν τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἐχόντων τοῖς Α, Β οἱ Ζ, Ε· ἴσος ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ ἐκ τῶν Α, Ε τῷ ἐκ τῶν Β, Ζ. καὶ ὁ Α τὸν Ε πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Γ ποιείτω· καὶ ὁ Β ἄρα τὸν Ζ πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Γ πεποίηκεν· οἱ Α, Β ἄρα τὸν Γ μετροῦσιν. λέγω δή, ὅτι καὶ ἐλάχιστον. εἰ γὰρ μή, μετρήσουσί τινα ἀριθμὸν οἱ Α, Β ἐλάσσονα ὄντα τοῦ Γ. μετρείτωσαν τὸν Δ. καὶ ὁσάκις μὲν ὁ Α τὸν Δ μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Η, ὁσάκις δὲ ὁ Β τὸν Δ μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Θ. ὁ μὲν Α ἄρα τὸν Η πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Δ πεποίηκεν, ὁ δὲ Β τὸν Θ πολλαπλασιάσας τὸν Δ πεποίηκεν. ἴσος ἄρα ἐστὶν ὁ ἐκ τῶν Α, Η τῷ ἐκ τῶν Β, Θ· ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ Α πρὸς τὸν Β, οὕτως ὁ Θ πρὸς τὸν Η. ὡς δὲ ὁ Α πρὸς τὸν Β, οὕτως ὁ Ζ πρὸς τὸν Ε· καὶ ὡς ἄρα ὁ Ζ πρὸς τὸν Ε, οὕτως ὁ Θ πρὸς τὸν Η. οἱ δὲ Ζ, Ε ἐλάχιστοι, οἱ δὲ ἐλάχιστοι μετροῦσι τοὺς τὸν αὐτὸν λόγον ἔχοντας ἰσάκις ὅ τε μείζων τὸν μείζονα καὶ ὁ ἐλάσσων τὸν ἐλάσσονα· ὁ Ε ἄρα τὸν Η μετρεῖ. καὶ ἐπεὶ ὁ Α τοὺς Ε, Η πολλαπλασιάσας τοὺς Γ, Δ πεποίηκεν, ἔστιν ἄρα ὡς ὁ Ε πρὸς τὸν Η, οὕτως ὁ Γ πρὸς τὸν Δ. ὁ δὲ Ε τὸν Η μετρεῖ· καὶ ὁ Γ ἄρα τὸν Δ μετρεῖ ὁ μείζων τὸν ἐλάσσονα· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα οἱ Α, Β μετρήσουσί τινα ἀριθμὸν ἐλάσσονα ὄντα τοῦ Γ. ὁ Γ ἄρα ἐλάχιστος ὢν ὑπὸ τῶν Α, Β μετρεῖται· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
35. If two numbers measure any number, the least number measured by them will also measure the same. For let the two numbers A, B measure any number CD, and let E be the least that they measure; I say that E also measures CD. For, if E does not measure CD, let E, measuring DF, leave CF less than itself. Now, since A, B measure E, and E measures DF, therefore A, B will also measure DF. But they also measure the whole CD; therefore they will also measure the remainder CF which is less than E: which is impossible. Therefore E cannot fail to measure CD; therefore it measures it. Q. E. D.
35. ἐὰν δύο ἀριθμοὶ ἀριθμόν τινα μετρῶσιν, καὶ ὁ ἐλάχιστος ὑπʼ αὐτῶν μετρούμενος τὸν αὐτὸν μετρήσει. δύο γὰρ ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Α, Β ἀριθμόν τινα τὸν ΓΔ μετρείτωσαν, ἐλάχιστον δὲ τὸν Ε· λέγω, ὅτι καὶ ὁ Ε τὸν ΓΔ μετρεῖ. εἰ γὰρ οὐ μετρεῖ ὁ Ε τὸν ΓΔ, ὁ Ε τὸν ΔΖ μετρῶν λειπέτω ἑαυτοῦ ἐλάσσονα τὸν ΓΖ. καὶ ἐπεὶ οἱ Α, Β τὸν Ε μετροῦσιν, ὁ δὲ Ε τὸν ΔΖ μετρεῖ, καὶ οἱ Α, Β ἄρα τὸν ΔΖ μετρήσουσιν. μετροῦσι δὲ καὶ ὅλον τὸν ΓΔ· καὶ λοιπὸν ἄρα τὸν ΓΖ μετρήσουσιν ἐλάσσονα ὄντα τοῦ Ε· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα οὐ μετρεῖ ὁ Ε τὸν ΓΔ· μετρεῖ ἄρα· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
36. Given three numbers, to find the least number which they measure. Let A, B, C be the three given numbers; thus it is required to find the least number which they measure. Let D, the least number measured by the two numbers A, B, be taken. [] Then C either measures, or does not measure, D. First, let it measure it. But A, B also measure D; therefore A, B, C measure D. I say next that it is also the least that they measure. For, if not, A, B, C will measure some number which is less than D. Let them measure E. Since A, B, C measure E, therefore also A, B measure E. Therefore the least number measured by A, B will also measure E. [] But D is the least number measured by A, B; therefore D will measure E, the greater the less: which is impossible. Therefore A, B, C will not measure any number which is less than D; therefore D is the least that A, B, C measure. Again, let C not measure D, and let E, the least number measured by C, D, be taken. [] Since A, B measure D, and D measures E, therefore also A, B measure E. But C also measures E; therefore also A, B, C measure E. I say next that it is also the least that they measure. For, if not, A, B, C will measure some number which is less than E. Let them measure F. Since A, B, C measure F, therefore also A, B measure F; therefore the least number measured by A, B will also measure F. [] But D is the least number measured by A, B; therefore D measures F. But C also measures F; therefore D, C measure F, so that the least number measured by D, C will also measure F. But E is the least number measured by C, D; therefore E measures F, the greater the less: which is impossible. Therefore A, B, C will not measure any number which is less than E. Therefore E is the least that is measured by A, B, C. Q. E. D.
36. τριῶν ἀριθμῶν δοθέντων εὑρεῖν, ὃν ἐλάχιστον μετροῦσιν ἀριθμόν. ἔστωσαν οἱ δοθέντες τρεῖς ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Α, Β, Γ· δεῖ δὴ εὑρεῖν, ὃν ἐλάχιστον μετροῦσιν ἀριθμόν. εἰλήφθω γὰρ ὑπὸ δύο τῶν Α, Β ἐλάχιστος μετρούμενος ὁ Δ. ὁ δὴ Γ τὸν Δ ἤτοι μετρεῖ ἢ οὐ μετρεῖ. μετρείτω πρότερον. μετροῦσι δὲ καὶ οἱ Α, Β τὸν Δ· οἱ Α, Β, Γ ἄρα τὸν Δ μετροῦσιν. λέγω δή, ὅτι καὶ ἐλάχιστον. εἰ γὰρ μή, μετρήσουσιν [τινα] ἀριθμὸν οἱ Α, Β, Γ ἐλάσσονα ὄντα τοῦ Δ. μετρείτωσαν τὸν Ε. ἐπεὶ οἱ Α, Β, Γ τὸν Ε μετροῦσιν, καὶ οἱ Α, Β ἄρα τὸν Ε μετροῦσιν. καὶ ὁ ἐλάχιστος ἄρα ὑπὸ τῶν Α, Β μετρούμενος [τὸν Ε] μετρήσει. ἐλάχιστος δὲ ὑπὸ τῶν Α, Β μετρούμενός ἐστιν ὁ Δ· ὁ Δ ἄρα τὸν Ε μετρήσει ὁ μείζων τὸν ἐλάσσονα· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα οἱ Α, Β, Γ μετρήσουσί τινα ἀριθμὸν ἐλάσσονα ὄντα τοῦ Δ· οἱ Α, Β, Γ ἄρα ἐλάχιστον τὸν Δ μετροῦσιν. μὴ μετρείτω δὴ πάλιν ὁ Γ τὸν Δ, καὶ εἰλήφθω ὑπὸ τῶν Γ, Δ ἐλάχιστος μετρούμενος ἀριθμὸς ὁ Ε. ἐπεὶ οἱ Α, Β τὸν Δ μετροῦσιν, ὁ δὲ Δ τὸν Ε μετρεῖ, καὶ οἱ Α, Β ἄρα τὸν Ε μετροῦσιν. μετρεῖ δὲ καὶ ὁ Γ [τὸν Ε· καὶ] οἱ Α, Β, Γ ἄρα τὸν Ε μετροῦσιν. λέγω δή, ὅτι καὶ ἐλάχιστον. εἰ γὰρ μή, μετρήσουσί τινα οἱ Α, Β, Γ ἐλάσσονα ὄντα τοῦ Ε. μετρείτωσαν τὸν Ζ. ἐπεὶ οἱ Α, Β, Γ τὸν Ζ μετροῦσιν, καὶ οἱ Α, Β ἄρα τὸν Ζ μετροῦσιν· καὶ ὁ ἐλάχιστος ἄρα ὑπὸ τῶν Α, Β μετρούμενος τὸν Ζ μετρήσει. ἐλάχιστος δὲ ὑπὸ τῶν Α, Β μετρούμενός ἐστιν ὁ Δ· ὁ Δ ἄρα τὸν Ζ μετρεῖ. μετρεῖ δὲ καὶ ὁ Γ τὸν Ζ· οἱ Δ, Γ ἄρα τὸν Ζ μετροῦσιν· ὥστε καὶ ὁ ἐλάχιστος ὑπὸ τῶν Δ, Γ μετρούμενος τὸν Ζ μετρήσει. ὁ δὲ ἐλάχιστος ὑπὸ τῶν Γ, Δ μετρούμενός ἐστιν ὁ Ε· ὁ Ε ἄρα τὸν Ζ μετρεῖ ὁ μείζων τὸν ἐλάσσονα· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα οἱ Α, Β, Γ μετρήσουσί τινα ἀριθμὸν ἐλάσσονα ὄντα τοῦ Ε. ὁ Ε ἄρα ἐλάχιστος ὢν ὑπὸ τῶν Α, Β, Γ μετρεῖται· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
37. If a number be measured by any number, the number which is measured will have a part called by the same name as the measuring number. For let the number A be measured by any number B; I say that A has a part called by the same name as B. For, as many times as B measures A, so many units let there be in C. Since B measures A according to the units in C, and the unit D also measures the number C according to the units in it, therefore the unit D measures the number C the same number of times as B measures A. Therefore, alternately, the unit D measures the number B the same number of times as C measures A; [] therefore, whatever part the unit D is of the number B, the same part is C of A also. But the unit D is a part of the number B called by the same name as it; therefore C is also a part of A called by the same name as B, so that A has a part C which is called by the same name as B. Q. E. D.
37. ἐὰν ἀριθμὸς ὑπό τινος ἀριθμοῦ μετρῆται, ὁ μετρούμενος ὁμώνυμον μέρος ἕξει τῷ μετροῦντι. ἀριθμὸς γὰρ ὁ Α ὑπό τινος ἀριθμοῦ τοῦ Β μετρείσθω· λέγω, ὅτι ὁ Α ὁμώνυμον μέρος ἔχει τῷ Β. ὁσάκις γὰρ ὁ Β τὸν Α μετρεῖ, τοσαῦται μονάδες ἔστωσαν ἐν τῷ Γ. ἐπεὶ ὁ Β τὸν Α μετρεῖ κατὰ τὰς ἐν τῷ Γ μονάδας, μετρεῖ δὲ καὶ ἡ Δ μονὰς τὸν Γ ἀριθμὸν κατὰ τὰς ἐν αὐτῷ μονάδας, ἰσάκις ἄρα ἡ Δ μονὰς τὸν Γ ἀριθμὸν μετρεῖ καὶ ὁ Β τὸν Α. ἐναλλὰξ ἄρα ἰσάκις ἡ Δ μονὰς τὸν Β ἀριθμὸν μετρεῖ καὶ ὁ Γ τὸν Α· ὃ ἄρα μέρος ἐστὶν ἡ Δ μονὰς τοῦ Β ἀριθμοῦ, τὸ αὐτὸ μέρος ἐστὶ καὶ ὁ Γ τοῦ Α. ἡ δὲ Δ μονὰς τοῦ Β ἀριθμοῦ μέρος ἐστὶν ὁμώνυμον αὐτῷ· καὶ ὁ Γ ἄρα τοῦ Α μέρος ἐστὶν ὁμώνυμον τῷ Β. ὥστε ὁ Α μέρος ἔχει τὸν Γ ὁμώνυμον ὄντα τῷ Β· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
38. If a number have any part whatever, it will be measured by a number called by the same name as the part. For let the number A have any part whatever, B, and let C be a number called by the same name as the part B; I say that C measures A. For, since B is a part of A called by the same name as C, and the unit D is also a part of C called by the same name as it, therefore, whatever part the unit D is of the number C, the same part is B of A also; therefore the unit D measures the number C the same number of times that B measures A. Therefore, alternately, the unit D measures the number B the same number of times that C measures A. [] Therefore C measures A. Q. E. D.
38. ἐὰν ἀριθμὸς μέρος ἔχῃ ὁτιοῦν, ὑπὸ ὁμωνύμου ἀριθμοῦ μετρηθήσεται τῷ μέρει. ἀριθμὸς γὰρ ὁ Α μέρος ἐχέτω ὁτιοῦν τὸν Β, καὶ τῷ Β μέρει ὁμώνυμος ἔστω [ἀριθμὸς] ὁ Γ· λέγω, ὅτι ὁ Γ τὸν Α μετρεῖ. ἐπεὶ γὰρ ὁ Β τοῦ Α μέρος ἐστὶν ὁμώνυμον τῷ Γ, ἔστι δὲ καὶ ἡ Δ μονὰς τοῦ Γ μέρος ὁμώνυμον αὐτῷ, ὃ ἄρα μέρος ἐστὶν ἡ Δ μονὰς τοῦ Γ ἀριθμοῦ, τὸ αὐτὸ μέρος ἐστὶ καὶ ὁ Β τοῦ Α· ἰσάκις ἄρα ἡ Δ μονὰς τὸν Γ ἀριθμὸν μετρεῖ καὶ ὁ Β τὸν Α. ἐναλλὰξ ἄρα ἰσάκις ἡ Δ μονὰς τὸν Β ἀριθμὸν μετρεῖ καὶ ὁ Γ τὸν Α. ὁ Γ ἄρα τὸν Α μετρεῖ· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.
39. To find the number which is the least that will have given parts. Let A, B, C be the given parts; thus it is required to find the number which is the least that will have the parts A, B, C. Let D, E, F be numbers called by the same name as the parts A, B, C, and let G, the least number measured by D, E, F, be taken. [] Therefore G has parts called by the same name as D, E, F. [] But A, B, C are parts called by the same name as D, E, F; therefore G has the parts A, B, C. I say next that it is also the least number that has. For, if not, there will be some number less than G which will have the parts A, B, C. Let it be H. Since H has the parts A, B, C, therefore H will be measured by numbers called by the same name as the parts A, B, C. [] But D, E, F are numbers called by the same name as the parts A, B, C; therefore H is measured by D, E, F. And it is less than G: which is impossible. Therefore there will be no number less than G that will have the parts A, B, C. Q. E. D.
39. ἀριθμὸν εὑρεῖν, ὃς ἐλάχιστος ὢν ἕξει τὰ δοθέντα μέρη. ἔστω τὰ δοθέντα μέρη τὰ Α, Β, Γ· δεῖ δὴ ἀριθμὸν εὑρεῖν, ὃς ἐλάχιστος ὢν ἕξει τὰ Α, Β, Γ μέρη. ἔστωσαν γὰρ τοῖς Α, Β, Γ μέρεσιν ὁμώνυμοι ἀριθμοὶ οἱ Δ, Ε, Ζ, καὶ εἰλήφθω ὑπὸ τῶν Δ, Ε, Ζ ἐλάχιστος μετρούμενος ἀριθμὸς ὁ Η. ὁ Η ἄρα ὁμώνυμα μέρη ἔχει τοῖς Δ, Ε, Ζ. τοῖς δὲ Δ, Ε, Ζ ὁμώνυμα μέρη ἐστὶ τὰ Α, Β, Γ· ὁ Η ἄρα ἔχει τὰ Α, Β, Γ μέρη. λέγω δή, ὅτι καὶ ἐλάχιστος ὤν. εἰ γὰρ μή, ἔσται τις τοῦ Η ἐλάσσων ἀριθμός, ὃς ἕξει τὰ Α, Β, Γ μέρη. ἔστω ὁ Θ. ἐπεὶ ὁ Θ ἔχει τὰ Α, Β, Γ μέρη, ὁ Θ ἄρα ὑπὸ ὁμωνύμων ἀριθμῶν μετρηθήσεται τοῖς Α, Β, Γ μέρεσιν. τοῖς δὲ Α, Β, Γ μέρεσιν ὁμώνυμοι ἀριθμοί εἰσιν οἱ Δ, Ε, Ζ· ὁ Θ ἄρα ὑπὸ τῶν Δ, Ε, Ζ μετρεῖται. καί ἐστιν ἐλάσσων τοῦ Η· ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἀδύνατον. οὐκ ἄρα ἔσται τις τοῦ Η ἐλάσσων ἀριθμός, ὃς ἕξει τὰ Α, Β, Γ μέρη· ὅπερ ἔδει δεῖξαι.