Transforming triangles and dividing lines by proportion
Base-and-axis problems and dividing a line infinitely by rational and irrational proportion
This densely written sheet develops Leonardo's geometry of triangles (which he calls 'pyramids') and their proportional transformation. He states that as a triangle's base widens its axis lowers in the same proportion, poses a series of problems asking for the base or axis when the other is changed to a given line, and builds a 'triangle of proportions' whose parallels are cut in equal ratios. A square divided by oblique lines demonstrates how to divide a line infinitely by rational and irrational proportion, and number series (2 4 8 16; 1 3 9 27) accompany the ratio work. A small ornamental sketch also appears at lower left.
On this page
Widening a triangle's base lowers its axis in proportion
In whatever proportion a triangle ('pyramid') widens, in that proportion it lowers: if the base widens by half, the height falls by half; and if the base shrinks by a third, the axis gains a third of its height.
Fitting a triangle to a given base or axis
A run of problems asks, for a triangle whose base is enlarged or narrowed to a given (irrational) line, what the height of the axis becomes; and conversely, given a change of axis according to a given line, what the width of the base must be.
Dividing a line infinitely by proportion
In a square cut by the oblique line d f (parallel to base a c of triangle a c g) and its perpendiculars on p c, the segment d e to e f equals a b to b c; carrying d f onto b c divides it at e as a c is divided at b, so e m to b o equals b o to a p, letting a line be subdivided endlessly in the same ratio.
The triangle of proportions and its number series
Two 'triangles of proportions' labelled a c e b and d f carry the series 2 4 8 16, 12 4 8 2, 6 18 54 and 1 3 9 27; any straight line cutting the triangle from base to apex divides all parallels in one same ratio, rational or irrational.
Cutting one triangle in the same proportion as another
To cut triangle c d e as line c d cut triangle a b e, he sets point i freely, draws the pyramid a i e, carries c e parallel to base a e until it meets the sides, and transfers g h back into c e so that n m is the required dividing line.
Equal triangular areas from a shifted base and axis
Because e t is as much less than b n as a r is greater, the axis b n on base n o encloses the same triangular area as axis e c on base r p, or axis a r on base t m; the triangle of proportions then gives the irrational increase of the axis when the base is reduced by line t m.
