Proposition 12.
In obtuse-angled triangles the square on the side subtending the obtuse angle
is greater than the squares on the sides containing the obtuse angle by twice
the rectangle contained by one of the sides about the obtuse angle, namely
that on which the perpendicular falls, and the straight line cut off outside
by the perpendicular towards the obtuse angle.
Let ABC be an obtuse-angled triangle having the angle BAC obtuse, and let BD
be drawn from the point B perpendicular to CA produced;
I say that the square on BC is greater than the squares on BA, AC
by twice the rectangle contained by CA, AD.
For, since the straight line CD has been cut at random at the point A,
the square on DC
is equal to the squares on CA, AD and twice the rectangle contained by CA, AD.
Let the square on DB be added to each; therefore the squares on CD, DB
are equal to the squares on CA, AD, DB and twice the rectangle CA, AD.
But the square on CB is equal to the squares on CD, DB, for the angle at D is
right;
and the square on AB is equal to the squares on AD, DB;
so that the square on CB is greater than the squares on CA, AB by twice the
rectangle contained by CA, AD.
Therefore etc.
Q.E.D
Ralph H. Abraham, 28 April, 1996.