The Encyclopedia of Geometry (0021)


Problem

When there are two straight lines that intersect on the same plane, two straight lines that are parallel to each of them will always intersect.

$$ $$

$$ $$

$\downarrow$ $\downarrow$ $\downarrow$ $\downarrow$ $\downarrow$

$$ $$

$$ $$

$$ $$

$$ $$

$$ $$

$$ $$

$$ $$

$$ $$

$$ $$

$$ $$


Solution

Let $OA$ and $OB$ be two straight lines that intersect at $O$, and let $a∥OA$ and $b∥OB$.
If $a$ and $b$ do not intersect, that is, $a∥b$, then a straight line parallel to one of the parallel lines is also parallel to the other. Thus,
$$a∥OB.$$
Then, there are two straight lines, $OA$ and $OB$, that pass through the point $O$ and are parallel to the straight line $a$.
However, this is irrational because it violates the axiom of parallel lines.
Therefore, $a$ and $b$ are not parallel, but always intersect.
$ $
$ $
$ $

Reference

Teiichiro Sasabe (1976) The Encyclopedia of Geometry (2nd edition), Seikyo-Shinsha, pp.7-8