Proposition I.19
In any triangle the greater angle is subtended by the greater side.
Let ABC be a triangle having the angle ABC greater than the angle BCA;
I say that the side AC is also greater than the side AB.
For, if not, AC is either equal to AB or less.
Now AC is not equal to AB; for then the angle ABC would also have been equal to the angle ACB; I.5 but it is not;
- therefore
ACis not equal toAB.
Neither is AC less than AB, for then the angle ABC would also have been less than the angle ACB; I.18 but it is not;
- therefore
ACis not less thanAB.
And it was proved that it is not equal either.
- Therefore
ACis greater thanAB.
Therefore etc.
- Q. E. D.