The Encyclopedia of Geometry (0017)


Problem

When three straight lines $a, b$ and $c$ are on the same plane, and $a∥b$ and $a∥c$, then
$$b∥c.$$

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Solution

Assuming $b∦c$, two straight lines that are not parallel will always intersect on the same plane.

Now, if the point of intersection is $P$, then $P$ is always outside $a$.

Thus, there are two straight lines $b$ and $c$ that pass through this point $P$ and are parallel to $a$, but this contradicts the axiom.

Therefore, $b$ and $c$ never intersect,

$$b∥c.$$

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Reference

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