Proof of Theorem E1

Theorem E1
The group E(2) is generated by reflections.

Proof
Suppose that t is an isometry, and that t(O)=A, t(X)=B.
As T is an isometry, |AB| = |OX| =1.
Let L be the perpendicular bisector of OA, so rL maps A to O (and vice versa).
Suppose that rL maps B to C. Since the map is an isometry, |OC| = |AB| (= |OX| as above).
Let M be the internal bisector of <XOC. Then rM maps C to X (since |OC| = |OX|).

Consider the composite s = rM°rL°t.
Considering the effect of each component in turn, we see that s fixes O and X.
By Lemma 1, s is the identity or is rx, reflection in the real axis.
Using the fact that reflections are self-inverse, we have either
t = rL°rM, or
t = rL°rM°rx.

Thus, each isometry is the composite of (at most three) reflections.

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