Book 4
1
Therefore into the given circle ABC there has been fitted CA equal to the given straight line D.
PROPOSITION 2.
2
In a given circle to inscribe a triangle equiangular with a given triangle.
2
Let ABC be the given circle, and DEF the given triangle; thus it is required to inscribe in the circle ABC a triangle equiangular with the triangle DEF.
2
Let GH be drawn touching the circle ABC at A [III. 16, Por.]; on the straight line AH, and at the point A on it, let the angle HAC be constructed equal to the angle DEF, and on the straight line AG, and at the point A on it, let the angle GAB be constructed equal to the angle DFE; [I. 23] let BC be joined.
2
Then, since a straight line AH touches the circle ABC, and from the point of contact at A the straight line AC is drawn across in the circle, therefore the angle HAC is equal to the angle ABC in the alternate segment of the circle. [III. 32]
2
But the angle HAC is equal to the angle DEF; therefore the angle ABC is also equal to the angle DEF.
2
For the same reason the angle ACB is also equal to the angle DFE; therefore the remaining angle BAC is also equal to the remaining angle EDF. [I. 32]
2
Therefore in the given circle there has been inscribed a triangle equiangular with the given triangle. Q. E. F.
PROPOSITION 3.
3
About a given circle to circumscribe a triangle equiangular with a given triangle.
3
Let ABC be the given circle, and DEF the given triangle; thus it is required to circumscribe about the circle ABC a triangle equiangular with the triangle DEF.
3
Let EF be produced in both directions to the points G, H, let the centre K of the circle ABC be taken [III. 1], and let the straight line KB be drawn across at random; on the straight line KB, and at the point K on it, let the angle BKA be constructed equal to the angle DEG, and the angle BKC equal to the angle DFH; [I. 23] and through the points A, B, C let LAM, MBN, NCL be drawn touching the circle ABC. [III. 16, Por.]
