Splitting the Pasch axiom (Q1919310): Difference between revisions

Plane Euclidean geometry can be considered as a first order theory in an appropriate language. If the Pasch axiom \((P)\) is not assumed, the author speeks of Pasch-free Euclidean geometry. In this theory, two axioms are considered: \((R)\) ``In every right triangle, the hypothenuse is greater than the legs'' and \((R')\) ``If \(AOB\) forms a right angle, \(B\) lies between \(O\) and \(C\) (all three distinct), and \(D\) is the footpoint of the perpendicular from \(B\) to \(AC\), then the segment \(OA\) is greater than the segment \(BD\)''. It is proved that \(P \leftrightarrow R \wedge R'\), and an example is given where neither \(R\) nor \(R'\) is valid. It remains open whether \(R'\) alone possibly implies \(P\). If this turns out not to be the case, then \((P)\) would have been split into \((R)\) and \((R')\), in the sense of the author, J. Geom. 51, No. 1-2, 79-88 (1994; Zbl 0815.51012).