Proposition 3.6

If two circles touch one another, they will not have the same centre.

If two circles touch one another, they will not have the same centre.

For let the two circles ABC, CDE touch one another at the point C; I say that they will not have the same centre.

For, if possible, let it be F; let FC be joined, and let FEB be drawn through at random.

Then, since the point F is the centre of the circle ABC, FC is equal to FB.

Again, since the point F is the centre of the circle CDE, FC is equal to FE.

But FC was proved equal to FB; therefore FE is also equal to FB, the less to the greater: which is impossible.

Therefore F is not the centre of the circles ABC, CDE.

Therefore etc. Q. E. D.

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