Proving equivalence to Euclid Parallel Postulate

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between the Euclid Parallel Postulate and the Proclus's Axiom. The postulate states that for any line and point not on the line, there exists exactly one parallel line passing through the point. The theorem states that if two lines are parallel and a third line intersects one of them, it must also intersect the other. The conversation involves trying to prove the equivalence between the two concepts. One person suggests showing that the Parallel Postulate implies Proclus's Axiom, while the other suggests trying the converse.
  • #1
pholee95
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0
I'm having a hard time proving that the Euclid Parallel Postulate is equivalent to this theorem. Can anyone please help?

Euclid Parallel Postulate states: For every line l and point P not on l, there exists exactly one line m so that P is on m and m||l.

the theorem states: (Proclus’s Axiom) If l and l' are parallel lines and t is not equal to l is a line such that t intersects
l then t also intersects l'.
 
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  • #2
pholee95 said:
I'm having a hard time proving that the Euclid Parallel Postulate is equivalent to this theorem. Can anyone please help?

Euclid Parallel Postulate states: For every line l and point P not on l, there exists exactly one line m so that P is on m and m||l.

the theorem states: (Proclus’s Axiom) If l and l' are parallel lines and t is not equal to l is a line such that t intersects
l then t also intersects l'.
Let's show that the Parallel postulate implies Proclus.

Let $\ell$ and $\ell'$ be parallel lines and $t$ be a line different from $\ell$ which intersects $\ell$. We want to show that $t$ intersects $\ell'$. Say $t$ intersects $\ell$ in a point $p$. If $\ell=\ell'$ then there is nothing to prove. So assume that $\ell\neq \ell'$. So $\ell$ is a line passing through $p$ which is parallel to $\ell'$. By the Parallel Postulate, $\ell$ is the unique such line since $p$ is not on $\ell'$. Thus $t$ cannot be parallel to $\ell'$. Therefore $t$ must intersect $\ell'$ and we are done.

Can you try the converse?
 

1. How can we prove that Euclid's Parallel Postulate is equivalent to other postulates?

There are several methods for proving equivalence to Euclid's Parallel Postulate, including using the Playfair's Axiom, the Pasch's Axiom, and the Saccheri-Legendre Theorem. These methods all involve constructing a contradiction to the Parallel Postulate in order to prove its equivalence to other postulates.

2. Why is proving equivalence to Euclid's Parallel Postulate important?

Proving equivalence to Euclid's Parallel Postulate is important because it allows us to establish the consistency of different postulate systems. It also helps us to better understand the fundamental principles of geometry and their relationships to each other.

3. Is it possible to prove equivalence to Euclid's Parallel Postulate using only Euclid's Elements?

No, it is not possible to prove equivalence to Euclid's Parallel Postulate using only Euclid's Elements. This is because Euclid's Parallel Postulate is an independent postulate, meaning it cannot be proven from the other postulates in the system.

4. Can we prove that Euclid's Parallel Postulate is false?

No, we cannot prove that Euclid's Parallel Postulate is false. While there are alternative postulates and axioms that are equivalent to Euclid's Parallel Postulate, none of them can prove its falsity. Furthermore, Euclid's Parallel Postulate has been accepted as a fundamental principle of geometry for centuries.

5. Are there any real-world applications for proving equivalence to Euclid's Parallel Postulate?

Yes, there are real-world applications for proving equivalence to Euclid's Parallel Postulate. For example, understanding the relationships between different postulates can help us to develop new geometries and understand the implications of alternative postulate systems in fields such as physics and computer science.

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