ASSIGNMENT: 6

PROPORTIONALS (A)

1. To divide a line into three parts in the same proportion as the numbers 2, 3, and 4.
Let AB be the given line. From A draw a line at any angle. Set off 2 +3 + 4 equal parts. Join 9
and B. From the points 5 and 2 rule parallels cutting AB, so that AC:CD :DB as 2:3 4

2. To find a fourth proportional to three given lines.

Let A, B, and C be the three given lines. Draw DJ and DK, of indefinite length, and at any angle
to each other. Set off DE equal to A, DF equal to B, and EG equal to C. Join E and F.
From G rule a parallel to EF, cutting off FH, the fourth proportional required. DE: DF:: EG: FH
Notes:
1. This construction answers for all cases. It should be worked to scale. If the three lines be
3, 2.5, and 2 inches long, then the fourth proportional will be found thus – 3: 2.5: 2: FH.
But 3 FH=2.5x2. Therefore, FH=1/3(2.5X2) = 1 2/3 inches.

2. When the lines are long, it is sometimes more convenient to proceed as

in Problem 2a —Draw two lines at any angle as before, and set off DE equal
to A, and DF equal to B. Make DG equal to C, and from G draw GH parallel
to EF. Then DH will be the fourth proportional less than any of the given
lines. The same method of construction is applicable when a fourth proportional greater
than any of the given lines is required, but it is necessary to commence with the shortest
line. See Problem 2b. Draw two lines at any angle, and set off DE equal to C, DF equal to
B, and DG equal to A. Join EF, and from G draw GH parallel to EF. Then DH will be the
fourth proportional.
3. To find a third proportional to two given lines.
Let A and B be the given lines. This problem is exactly the same as finding a fourth proportional
to three numbers, the last two of which are equal. If we require a third proportional to 8 and 4,
the statement would read thus— 8: 4 as 4: 2. Here 2 is the third proportional, because it bears the
same relation to 4 that 4 does to 8.

In the case of the given lines, proceed in a similar manner, remembering that the line B is used as
both the second and third term.

Draw two lines at any angle. Set off CD equal to A, and CE equal to B. Join D and E. Now set
off DF, also equal to B. Draw FG parallel to DE. Then EG is the required third proportional. A:
B as B: EG-. Note: The line B maybe set off from C as m Problem 2a the parallel
FG cutting off the third proportional CG, which will be found to be of exactly the same length as
EG.

4. To find a mean proportional to two given lines.

Let AB and CD be the given lines. Produce AB, and set off BE equal to CD. Bisect AE, and
describe a semicircle. At B draw BF perpendicular to AE. Then BP is the mean proportional
required. AB: BF as BF: BE. (Euc. vr. 18)
Note: The square constructed on BF equals the rectangle constructed with sides equal to AB and
CD.
5. To divide a line into an extreme and mean ratio.
Let AB be the given line. Draw AC perpendicular to AB, andequal to half of it. Join B and C.
With centre C and radius CA cut off CD. With centre B and radius BD cut off BE. Then the line
is divided at E so that AE: EB as EB: AB, or so that the rectangle contained by AE and AB
equals the square on EB. (Euc. VI. 30 and II. 11.)