The Second Story of Meno / A Continuation of Socrates' Dialogue with Meno in Which the Boy Proves Root 2 is Irrational

by Unknown

Socrates: Very well, on then, to even over odd. If we multiply these numbers times themselves, what do we get, boy?

Boy: We will get a ratio of even over odd, Socrates.

Socrates: And could an even number be double an odd number?

Boy: Yes, Socrates.

Socrates: So, indeed, this could be where we find a number such that when multiplied times itself yields an area of two?

Boy: Yes, Socrates. It could very well be in this group.

Socrates: So, the first, or top number, is the result of an even number times itself?

Boy: Yes.

Socrates: And the second, or bottom number, is the result of an odd number times itself?

Boy: Yes.