Chinese proof, step 01


4. Thus, let us cut a rectangle (diagonally), and make the width 3 (units) wide, and the length 4 (units) long. The diagonal between the two corners will then be 5 (units) long.

From the Chou pai suan ching, quoted in Swetz and Kao, 1877.


Ralph H. Abraham, 26 April 1996.