Definition and properties. Complex logarithm Basic formulas for logarithms



Plan:

    Introduction
  • 1 Real logarithm
    • 1.1 Properties
    • 1.2 Logarithmic function
    • 1.3 Natural logarithms
    • 1.4 Decimal logarithms
  • 2 Complex logarithm
    • 2.1 Definition and properties
    • 2.2 Examples
    • 2.3 Analytical continuation
    • 2.4 Riemann surface
  • 3 Historical sketch
    • 3.1 Real logarithm
    • 3.2 Complex logarithm
  • 4 Logarithmic tables
  • 5 Applications
  • Literature
    Notes

Introduction

Rice. 1. Graphs of logarithmic functions

Logarithm of a number b based on a (from Greek λόγος - “word”, “attitude” and ἀριθμός - “number”) is defined as an indicator of the power to which the base must be raised a to get the number b. Designation: . From the definition it follows that the records and are equivalent.

For example, because.


1. Real logarithm

Logarithm of a real number log a b makes sense when . As is known, the exponential function y = a x is monotonic and each value takes only once, and the range of its values ​​contains all positive real numbers. It follows that the value of the real logarithm of a positive number always exists and is uniquely determined.

The most widely used types of logarithms are:


1.1. Properties

Proof

Let's prove that .

(since by condition bc > 0). ■

Proof

Let's prove that

(since by condition ■

Proof

We use the identity to prove it. Let's logarithm both sides of the identity to base c. We get:

Proof

Let's prove that .

(because b p> 0 by condition). ■

Proof

Let's prove that

Proof

Logarithm the left and right sides to the base c :

Left side: Right side:

The equality of expressions is obvious. Since logarithms are equal, then, due to the monotonicity of the logarithmic function, the expressions themselves are equal. ■


1.2. Logarithmic function

If we consider the logarithmic number as a variable, we get logarithmic function y= log a x (see Fig. 1). It is defined at . Range of values: .

The function is strictly increasing at a> 1 and strictly decreasing at 0< a < 1 . График любой логарифмической функции проходит через точку (1;0) . Функция непрерывна и неограниченно дифференцируема всюду в своей области определения.

Straight x= 0 is a left vertical asymptote, since at a> 1 and at 0< a < 1 .

The derivative of the logarithmic function is equal to:

Proof

I. Let us prove that

Let's write down the identity e ln x = x and differentiate its left and right sides

We get that, from which it follows that

II. Let's prove that

The logarithmic function carries out an isomorphism between the multiplicative group of positive real numbers and the additive group of all real numbers.


1.3. Natural logarithms

Relationship with the decimal logarithm: .

As stated above, the derivative of the natural logarithm has a simple formula:

For this reason, natural logarithms are predominantly used in mathematical research. They often appear when solving differential equations, studying statistical dependencies (for example, the distribution of prime numbers), etc.

The indefinite integral of the natural logarithm can be easily found by integration by parts:

The Taylor series expansion can be represented as follows:
when the equality is true

(1)

In particular,

This series converges faster, and in addition, the left side of the formula can now express the logarithm of any positive number.


1.4. Decimal logarithms

Rice. 2a. Logarithmic scale

Rice. 2b. Logarithmic scale with symbols

Logarithms to base 10 (symbol: lg a) before the invention of calculators were widely used for calculations. The uneven scale of decimal logarithms is usually applied to slide rules. A similar scale is used in many fields of science, for example:

  • Physics - sound intensity (decibels).
  • Astronomy - star brightness scale.
  • Chemistry - hydrogen ion activity (pH).
  • Seismology - Richter scale.
  • Music theory - a scale of notes, in relation to the frequencies of musical notes.
  • History is a logarithmic time scale.

The logarithmic scale is also widely used to identify the exponent in power relations and the coefficient in the exponent. In this case, a graph constructed on a logarithmic scale along one or two axes takes the form of a straight line, which is easier to study.


2. Complex logarithm

2.1. Definition and properties

For complex numbers, the logarithm is defined in the same way as a real one. In practice, the natural complex logarithm is used almost exclusively, which we denote and define as the set of all complex numbers z such that e z = w . The complex logarithm exists for any , and its real part is determined uniquely, while the imaginary part has an infinite number of values. For this reason it is called a multi-valued function. If you imagine w in demonstrative form:

,

then the logarithm is found by the formula:

Here is the real logarithm, r = | w | , k- arbitrary integer. The value obtained when k= 0, called main importance complex natural logarithm; it is customary to take the value of the argument in it in the interval (− π,π]. The corresponding (already single-valued) function is called main branch logarithm and is denoted by . Sometimes they also denote a logarithm value that is not on the main branch.

From the formula it follows:

  • The real part of the logarithm is determined by the formula:
  • The logarithm of a negative number is found by the formula:

Since complex trigonometric functions are related to the exponent (Euler's formula), the complex logarithm, as the inverse function of the exponential, is related to the inverse trigonometric functions. An example of such a connection:


2.2. Examples

Let's give the main value of the logarithm for some arguments:

You should be careful when converting complex logarithms, taking into account that they are multi-valued, and therefore the equality of the logarithms of any expressions does not imply the equality of these expressions. Example of flawed reasoning:

iπ = ln(− 1) = ln((− i) 2) = 2ln(− i) = 2(− iπ / 2) = − iπ - sheer absurdity.

Note that on the left is the main value of the logarithm, and on the right is the value from the underlying branch ( k= − 1 ). The cause of the error is the careless use of the property, which, generally speaking, implies in the complex case the entire infinite set of logarithm values, and not just the main value.


2.3. Analytical continuation

Rice. 3. Complex logarithm (imaginary part)

The logarithm of a complex number can also be defined as the analytic extension of the real logarithm to the entire complex plane. Let the curve Γ begin at unity, not pass through zero, and not intersect the negative part of the real axis. Then the principal value of the logarithm at the end point w curve Γ can be determined by the formula:

If Γ is a simple curve (without self-intersections), then for the numbers lying on it, logarithmic identities can be applied without fear, for example

If the curve Γ is allowed to intersect the negative part of the real axis, then the first such intersection transfers the result from the principal value branch to the adjacent branch, and each subsequent intersection causes a similar shift along the branches of the logarithmic function (see figure).

From the analytic continuation formula it follows that on any branch of the logarithm

For any circle S, covering point 0:

The integral is taken in the positive direction (counterclockwise). This identity underlies the theory of residues.

You can also define the analytical continuation of the complex logarithm using the above series (1), generalized to the case of a complex argument. However, from the type of expansion it follows that at unity it is equal to zero, that is, the series relates only to the main branch of the multivalued function of the complex logarithm.


2.4. Riemann surface

A complex logarithmic function is an example of a Riemann surface; its imaginary part (Fig. 3) consists of an infinite number of branches twisted in the form of a spiral. This surface is simply connected; its only zero (of first order) is obtained at z= 1, singular points: z= 0 and (branch points of infinite order).

The Riemann surface of the logarithm is the universal covering for the complex plane without the point 0.


3. Historical sketch

3.1. Real logarithm

The need for complex calculations grew rapidly in the 16th century, and much of the difficulty involved multiplying and dividing multi-digit numbers and taking roots. At the end of the century, several mathematicians, almost simultaneously, came up with the idea: to replace labor-intensive multiplication with simple addition, using special tables to compare the geometric and arithmetic progressions, with the geometric one being the original one. Then division is automatically replaced by the immeasurably simpler and more reliable subtraction, and extracting the root of the degree n comes down to dividing the logarithm of the radical expression by n. He was the first to publish this idea in his book “ Arithmetica integra"Michael Stiefel, who, however, did not make any serious efforts to implement his idea.

In 1614, the Scottish amateur mathematician John Napier published an essay in Latin entitled " Description of the amazing table of logarithms"(lat. Mirifici Logarithmorum Canonis Descriptio ). It contained a brief description of logarithms and their properties, as well as 8-digit tables of logarithms of sines, cosines and tangents, with a step of 1". Term logarithm, proposed by Napier, has established itself in science. Napier outlined the theory of logarithms in his other book “ Building an Amazing Logarithm Table"(lat. Mirifici Logarithmorum Canonis Constructio ), published posthumously in 1619 by his son.

The concept of function did not yet exist, and Napier defined the logarithm kinematically, comparing uniform and logarithmically slow motion; for example, he defined the logarithm of sine as follows:

The logarithm of a given sine is a number that always increased arithmetically at the same rate at which the total sine began to decrease geometrically.

In modern notation, Napier’s kinematic model can be represented by the differential equation: dx/x = -dy/M, where M is a scale factor introduced to ensure that the value turns out to be an integer with the required number of digits (decimal fractions were not yet widely used). Napier took M = 10000000.

Strictly speaking, Napier tabulated the wrong function, which is now called the logarithm. If we denote its function LogNap(x), then it is related to the natural logarithm as follows:

Obviously, LogNap(M) = 0, that is, the logarithm of the “full sine” is zero - this is what Napier achieved with his definition. .

The main property of the Napier logarithm: if quantities form a geometric progression, then their logarithms form an arithmetic progression. However, the logarithm rules for the neper function differed from the rules for the modern logarithm.

For example, LogNap(ab) = LogNap(a) + LogNap(b) - LogNap(1).

Unfortunately, all the values ​​in Napier's table contained a computational error after the sixth digit. However, this did not prevent the new calculation method from gaining wide popularity, and many European mathematicians, including Kepler, began compiling logarithmic tables. Just 5 years later, in 1619, London mathematics teacher John Spidell ( John Speidell) reissued Napier's tables, transformed so that they effectively became tables of natural logarithms (although Spidell retained the scaling to integers). The term "natural logarithm" was proposed by the Italian mathematician Pietro Mengoli ( Pietro Mengoli)) in the middle of the 16th century.

In the 1620s, Edmund Wingate and William Oughtred invented the first slide rule, before the advent of pocket calculators - an indispensable engineer's tool.

A close to modern understanding of logarithmization - as the inverse operation of raising to a power - first appeared with Wallis and Johann Bernoulli, and was finally legitimized by Euler in the 18th century. In the book “Introduction to the Analysis of Infinites” (1748), Euler gave modern definitions of both exponential and logarithmic functions, expanded them into power series, and especially noted the role of the natural logarithm.

Euler is also credited with extending the logarithmic function to the complex domain.


3.2. Complex logarithm

The first attempts to extend logarithms to complex numbers were made at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries by Leibniz and Johann Bernoulli, but they failed to create a holistic theory, primarily because the very concept of a logarithm was not yet clearly defined. The discussion on this issue took place first between Leibniz and Bernoulli, and in the middle of the 18th century - between d'Alembert and Euler. Bernoulli and d'Alembert believed that it should be determined log(-x) = log(x). The complete theory of logarithms of negative and complex numbers was published by Euler in 1747-1751 and is essentially no different from the modern one.

Although the dispute continued (D'Alembert defended his point of view and argued it in detail in an article in his Encyclopedia and in other works), Euler's point of view quickly gained universal recognition.


4. Logarithmic tables

Logarithmic tables

From the properties of the logarithm it follows that instead of labor-intensive multiplication of multi-digit numbers, it is enough to find (from tables) and add their logarithms, and then use the same tables to perform potentiation, that is, find the value of the result from its logarithm. Doing division differs only in that logarithms are subtracted. Laplace said that the invention of logarithms “extended the life of astronomers” by greatly speeding up the process of calculations.

When moving the decimal point in a number to n digits, the value of the decimal logarithm of this number changes to n. For example, log8314.63 = log8.31463 + 3. It follows that it is enough to compile a table of decimal logarithms for numbers in the range from 1 to 10.

The first tables of logarithms were published by John Napier (1614), and they contained only logarithms of trigonometric functions, and with errors. Independently of him, Joost Burgi, a friend of Kepler, published his tables (1620). In 1617, Oxford mathematics professor Henry Briggs published tables that already included decimal logarithms of the numbers themselves, from 1 to 1000, with 8 (later 14) digits. But there were also errors in Briggs' tables. The first error-free edition based on the Vega tables (1783) appeared only in 1857 in Berlin (Bremiwer tables).

In Russia, the first tables of logarithms were published in 1703 with the participation of L. F. Magnitsky. Several collections of logarithm tables were published in the USSR.

  • Bradis V. M. Four-digit math tables. 44th edition, M., 1973.

Bradis tables (1921) were used in educational institutions and in engineering calculations that did not require great accuracy. They contained mantissas of decimal logarithms of numbers and trigonometric functions, natural logarithms, and some other useful calculation tools.

  • Vega G. Tables of seven-digit logarithms, 4th edition, M., 1971.

Professional collection for precise calculations.

  • Five-digit tables of natural values ​​of trigonometric quantities, their logarithms and logarithms of numbers, 6th ed., M.: Nauka, 1972.
  • Tables of natural logarithms, 2nd edition, in 2 volumes, M.: Nauka, 1971.

Nowadays, with the spread of calculators, the need to use tables of logarithms has disappeared.

M, Feature (complex analysis).

Definition and properties

Complex zero does not have a logarithm because the complex exponent does not take the value zero. Non-zero texvc can be represented in demonstrative form:

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): z=r \cdot e^(i (\varphi + 2 \pi k))\;\;, Where Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): k- arbitrary integer

Then Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \mathrm(Ln)\,z is found by the formula:

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): \mathrm(Ln)\,z = \ln r + i \left(\varphi + 2 \pi k \right)

Here Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \ln\,r= \ln\,|z|- real logarithm. It follows from this:

It is clear from the formula that one and only one of the values ​​has an imaginary part in the interval Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc . This value is called main importance complex natural logarithm. The corresponding (already unambiguous) function is called main branch logarithm and is denoted Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \ln\,z. Sometimes through Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \ln\, z also denote the value of the logarithm that does not lie on the main branch. If Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): z is a real number, then the principal value of its logarithm coincides with the ordinary real logarithm.

From the above formula it also follows that the real part of the logarithm is determined as follows through the components of the argument:

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for help with setup.): \operatorname(Re)(\ln(x+iy)) = \frac(1)(2) \ln(x^2+y^2)

The figure shows that the real part as a function of the components is centrally symmetric and depends only on the distance to the origin. It is obtained by rotating the graph of the real logarithm around the vertical axis. As it approaches zero, the function tends to Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): -\infty.

The logarithm of a negative number is found by the formula:

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \mathrm(Ln) (-x) = \ln x + i \pi (2 k + 1) \qquad (x>0,\ k = 0, \pm 1 ,\pm 2\dots)

Examples of complex logarithm values

Let us present the main value of the logarithm ( Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \ln) and its general expression ( Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \mathrm(Ln)) for some arguments:

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \ln (1) = 0;\; \mathrm(Ln) (1) = 2k\pi i Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \ln (-1) = i \pi;\; \mathrm(Ln) (-1) = (2k+1)i \pi Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): \ln (i) = i \frac(\pi) (2);\; \mathrm(Ln) (i) = i \frac(4k+1)(2) \pi

You should be careful when converting complex logarithms, taking into account that they are multi-valued, and therefore the equality of the logarithms of any expressions does not imply the equality of these expressions. Example erroneous reasoning:

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): i\pi = \ln(-1) = \ln((-i)^2) = 2\ln(-i) = 2(-i\pi/2 ) = -i\pi- an obvious mistake.

Note that on the left is the main value of the logarithm, and on the right is the value from the underlying branch ( Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): k=-1). The cause of the error is careless use of the property Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \log_a((b^p)) = p~\log_a b, which, generally speaking, implies in the complex case the entire infinite set of values ​​of the logarithm, and not just the main value.

Complex logarithmic function and Riemann surface

Due to its simply connectedness, the Riemann surface of the logarithm is a universal covering for the complex plane without a point Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc .

Analytical continuation

The logarithm of a complex number can also be defined as the analytic continuation of the real logarithm to the entire complex plane. Let the curve Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc starts at one, does not go through zero and does not cross the negative part of the real axis. Then the principal value of the logarithm at the end point Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): w crooked Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \Gamma can be determined by the formula:

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for help with setting up.): \ln z = \int\limits_\Gamma (du \over u)

If Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \Gamma- a simple curve (without self-intersections), then for numbers lying on it, logarithmic identities can be used without fear, for example:

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for help with setup.): \ln (wz) = \ln w + \ln z, ~\forall z,w\in\Gamma\colon zw\in \Gamma

The main branch of the logarithmic function is continuous and differentiable on the entire complex plane, except for the negative part of the real axis, on which the imaginary part changes abruptly to Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): 2\pi. But this fact is a consequence of the artificial limitation of the imaginary part of the main value by the interval Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): (-\pi, \pi]. If we consider all branches of the function, then continuity occurs at all points except zero, where the function is not defined. If you resolve the curve Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \Gamma cross the negative part of the real axis, then the first such intersection transfers the result from the main value branch to the adjacent branch, and each subsequent intersection causes a similar shift along the branches of the logarithmic function (see figure).

From the analytic continuation formula it follows that on any branch of the logarithm:

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \frac(d)(dz) \ln z = (1\over z)

For any circle Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): S, covering the point Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): 0 :

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for help with setting up.): \oint\limits_S (dz \over z) = 2\pi i

The integral is taken in the positive direction (counterclockwise). This identity underlies the theory of residues.

One can also define the analytic continuation of the complex logarithm using series known for the real case:

However, from the form of these series it follows that at one the sum of the series is equal to zero, that is, the series relates only to the main branch of the multivalued function of the complex logarithm. The radius of convergence of both series is 1.

Connection with inverse trigonometric and hyperbolic functions

Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \operatorname(Arcsin) z = -i \operatorname(Ln) (i z + \sqrt(1-z^2)) Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \operatorname(Arccos) z = -i \operatorname(Ln) (z + i\sqrt(1-z^2)) Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): \operatorname(Arctg) z = -\frac(i)(2) \ln \frac(1+z i)(1-z i) + k \pi \; (z \ne \pm i) Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): \operatorname(Arcctg) z = -\frac(i)(2) \ln \frac(z i-1)(z i+1) + k \pi \; (z \ne \pm i) Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \operatorname(Arsh)z = \operatorname(Ln)(z+\sqrt(z^2+1))- inverse hyperbolic sine Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README - help with setup.): \operatorname(Arch)z=\operatorname(Ln) \left(z+\sqrt(z^(2)-1) \right)- inverse hyperbolic cosine Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \operatorname(Arth)z=\frac(1)(2)\operatorname(Ln)\left(\frac(1+z)(1-z)\right)- inverse hyperbolic tangent Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \operatorname(Arcth)z=\frac(1)(2)\operatorname(Ln)\left(\frac(z+1)(z-1)\right)- inverse hyperbolic cotangent

Historical sketch

The first attempts to extend logarithms to complex numbers were made at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries by Leibniz and Johann Bernoulli, but they failed to create a holistic theory, primarily because the very concept of logarithm was not yet clearly defined. The discussion on this issue took place first between Leibniz and Bernoulli, and in the middle of the 18th century between D’Alembert and Euler. Bernoulli and D'Alembert believed that it should be determined Unable to parse expression (Executable file texvc not found; See math/README for setup help.): \log(-x) = \log(x), while Leibniz proved that the logarithm of a negative number is an imaginary number. The complete theory of logarithms of negative and complex numbers was published by Euler in 1747-1751 and is essentially no different from the modern one. Although the debate continued (D'Alembert defended his point of view and argued it in detail in an article in his Encyclopedia and in other works), Euler's approach received universal recognition by the end of the 18th century.

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Literature

Theory of logarithms
  • Korn G., Korn T.. - M.: Nauka, 1973. - 720 p.
  • Sveshnikov A. G., Tikhonov A. N. Theory of functions of a complex variable. - M.: Nauka, 1967. - 304 p.
  • Fikhtengolts G. M. Course of differential and integral calculus. - ed. 6th. - M.: Nauka, 1966. - 680 p.
History of logarithms
  • Mathematics of the 18th century // / Edited by A. P. Yushkevich, in three volumes. - M.: Science, 1972. - T. III.
  • Kolmogorov A. N., Yushkevich A. P. (eds.). Mathematics of the 19th century. Geometry. Theory of analytic functions. - M.: Science, 1981. - T. II.

Notes

  1. Logarithmic function. // . - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1982. - T. 3.
  2. , Volume II, pp. 520-522..
  3. , With. 623..
  4. , With. 92-94..
  5. , With. 45-46, 99-100..
  6. Boltyansky V. G., Efremovich V. A.. - M.: Nauka, 1982. - P. 112. - (Kvant Library, issue 21).
  7. , Volume II, pp. 522-526..
  8. , With. 624..
  9. , With. 325-328..
  10. Rybnikov K. A. History of mathematics. In two volumes. - M.: Publishing house. Moscow State University, 1963. - T. II. - P. 27, 230-231..
  11. , With. 122-123..
  12. Klein F.. - M.: Science, 1987. - T. II. Geometry. - pp. 159-161. - 416 s.

An excerpt characterizing the Complex logarithm

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Yeah... You'll learn to run fast from such a smile... - I thought to myself.
- How did it happen that you became friends with him? – Stella asked.
– When I first came here, I was very scared, especially when such monsters as you were attacking today. And then one day, when I almost died, Dean saved me from a whole bunch of creepy flying “birds”. I was also scared of him at first, but then I realized what a heart of gold he has... He is the best friend! I never had anything like this, even when I lived on Earth.
- How did you get used to it so quickly? His appearance is not quite, let’s say, familiar...
– And here I understood one very simple truth, which for some reason I did not notice on Earth - appearance does not matter if a person or creature has a good heart... My mother was very beautiful, but at times she was very angry too. And then all her beauty disappeared somewhere... And Dean, although scary, is always very kind, and always protects me, I feel his kindness and am not afraid of anything. But you can get used to the appearance...
– Do you know that you will be here for a very long time, much longer than people live on Earth? Do you really want to stay here?..
“My mother is here, so I have to help her.” And when she “leaves” to live on Earth again, I will also leave... To where there is more goodness. In this terrible world, people are very strange - as if they don’t live at all. Why is that? Do you know anything about this?
– Who told you that your mother would leave to live again? – Stella became interested.
- Dean, of course. He knows a lot, he’s lived here for a very long time. He also said that when we (my mother and I) live again, our families will be different. And then I won’t have this mother anymore... That’s why I want to be with her now.
- How do you talk to him, your Dean? – Stella asked. – And why don’t you want to tell us your name?
But it’s true – we still didn’t know her name! And they didn’t know where she came from either...
– My name was Maria... But does that really matter here?
- Surely! – Stella laughed. - How can I communicate with you? When you leave, they will give you a new name, but while you are here, you will have to live with the old one. Did you talk to anyone else here, girl Maria? – Stella asked, jumping from topic to topic out of habit.
“Yes, I talked...” the little girl said hesitantly. “But they are so strange here.” And so unhappy... Why are they so unhappy?
– Is what you see here conducive to happiness? – I was surprised by her question. – Even the local “reality” itself kills any hopes in advance!.. How can you be happy here?
- Don't know. When I’m with my mother, it seems to me that I could be happy here too... True, it’s very scary here, and she really doesn’t like it here... When I said that I agreed to stay with her, she yelled at me and said that I’m her “brainless misfortune”... But I’m not offended... I know that she’s just scared. Just like me...
– Perhaps she just wanted to protect you from your “extreme” decision, and only wanted you to go back to your “floor”? – Stella asked carefully, so as not to offend.
– No, of course... But thank you for the good words. Mom often called me not very good names, even on Earth... But I know that this was not out of anger. She was simply unhappy that I was born, and often told me that I ruined her life. But it wasn't my fault, was it? I always tried to make her happy, but for some reason I wasn’t very successful... And I never had a dad. – Maria was very sad, and her voice was trembling, as if she was about to cry.
Stella and I looked at each other, and I was almost sure that similar thoughts visited her... I already really didn’t like this spoiled, selfish “mother”, who, instead of worrying about her child herself, did not care about his heroic sacrifice at all I understood and, in addition, I also hurt her painfully.
“But Dean says that I’m good, and that I make him very happy!” – the little girl babbled more cheerfully. “And he wants to be friends with me.” And others I've met here are very cold and indifferent, and sometimes even evil... Especially those who have monsters attached...
“Monsters—what?..” we didn’t understand.
- Well, they have terrible monsters sitting on their backs and telling them what they must do. And if they don’t listen, the monsters mock them terribly... I tried to talk to them, but these monsters won’t allow me.
We understood absolutely nothing from this “explanation,” but the very fact that some astral beings were torturing people could not remain “explored” by us, so we immediately asked her how we could see this amazing phenomenon.
- Oh, yes everywhere! Especially at the “black mountain”. There he is, behind the trees. Do you want us to go with you too?
- Of course, we will be only too happy! – the delighted Stella immediately answered.
To be honest, I also didn’t really smile at the prospect of dating someone else, “creepy and incomprehensible,” especially alone. But interest overcame fear, and we, of course, would have gone, despite the fact that we were a little afraid... But when such a defender as Dean walked with us, it immediately became more fun...
And then, after a short moment, real Hell unfolded before our eyes, wide open with amazement... The vision was reminiscent of the paintings of Bosch (or Bosc, depending on what language you translate it into), a “crazy” artist who once shocked the whole world with his art world... He, of course, was not crazy, but was simply a seer who for some reason could only see the lower Astral. But we must give him his due - he portrayed him superbly... I saw his paintings in a book that was in my dad’s library, and I still remembered the eerie feeling that most of his paintings carried...
“What a horror!..” whispered the shocked Stella.
One could probably say that we have already seen a lot here, on the “floors”... But even we were not able to imagine this in our most terrible nightmare!.. Behind the “black rock” something completely opened up unthinkable... It looked like a huge, flat “cauldron” carved into the rock, at the bottom of which crimson “lava” was bubbling... The hot air “burst” everywhere with strange flashing reddish bubbles, from which scalding steam burst out and fell in large drops to the ground, or to the people who fell under it at that moment... Heartbreaking screams were heard, but immediately fell silent, as the most disgusting creatures sat on the backs of the same people, who with a contented look “controlled” their victims, not paying the slightest attention to their suffering... Under the naked feet of people, hot stones turned red, the crimson earth, bursting with heat, bubbled and “melted”... Splashes of hot steam burst through huge cracks and, burning the feet of human beings sobbing in pain, were carried into the heights, evaporating with a light smoke ... And in the very middle of the “pit” flowed a bright red, wide fiery river, into which, from time to time, the same disgusting monsters unexpectedly threw one or another tormented entity, which, falling, caused only a short splash of orange sparks, and then but, turning for a moment into a fluffy white cloud, it disappeared... forever... It was real Hell, and Stella and I wanted to “disappear” from there as soon as possible...
“What are we going to do?” Stella whispered in quiet horror. - Do you want to go down there? Is there anything we can do to help them? Look how many there are!..
We stood on a black-brown, heat-dried cliff, observing the “mash” of pain, hopelessness, and violence that stretched below, filled with horror, and felt so childishly powerless that even my militant Stella this time categorically folded her ruffled “wings.” “and was ready at the first call to rush off to her own, so dear and reliable, upper “floor”...

The exponential function of a real variable (with a positive base) is determined in several steps. First, for natural values ​​- as a product of equal factors. The definition then extends to negative integers and non-zero values ​​for by the rules. Next, we consider fractional exponents in which the value of the exponential function is determined using roots: . For irrational values, the definition is already connected with the basic concept of mathematical analysis - with the passage to the limit, for reasons of continuity. All these considerations are in no way applicable to attempts to extend the exponential function to complex values ​​of the indicator, and what it is, for example, is completely unclear.

For the first time, a power with a complex exponent with a natural base was introduced by Euler based on an analysis of a number of constructions of integral calculus. Sometimes very similar algebraic expressions, when integrated, give completely different answers:

At the same time, here the second integral is formally obtained from the first when replaced by

From this we can conclude that with the proper definition of an exponential function with a complex exponent, inverse trigonometric functions are related to logarithms and thus the exponential function is related to trigonometric ones.

Euler had the courage and imagination to give a reasonable definition for an exponential function with a base, namely,

This is a definition, and therefore this formula cannot be proven; one can only look for arguments in favor of the reasonableness and expediency of such a definition. Mathematical analysis provides many arguments of this kind. We will limit ourselves to just one.

It is known that for real there is a limiting relation: . On the right side there is a polynomial that also makes sense for complex values ​​for . The limit of a sequence of complex numbers is determined naturally. A sequence is considered convergent if the sequences of real and imaginary parts converge and is accepted

Let's find it. To do this, let's turn to the trigonometric form and for the argument we will select values ​​from the interval. With this choice it is clear that for . Further,

To go to the limit, you need to verify the existence of limits for and and find these limits. It is clear that

So, in the expression

the real part tends to , the imaginary part tends to so

This simple argument provides one of the arguments in favor of Euler's definition of the exponential function.

Let us now establish that when multiplying the values ​​of an exponential function, the exponents add up. Really:

2. Euler's formulas.

Let us put in the definition of the exponential function . We get:

Replacing b with -b, we get

By adding and subtracting these equalities term by term, we find the formulas

called Euler's formulas. They establish a connection between trigonometric functions and exponential functions with imaginary exponents.

3. Natural logarithm of a complex number.

A complex number given in trigonometric form can be written in the form. This form of writing a complex number is called exponential. It retains all the good properties of trigonometric form, but is even more concise. Further, Therefore, it is natural to assume that the real part of the logarithm of a complex number is the logarithm of its modulus, and the imaginary part is its argument. This to some extent explains the “logarithmic” property of the argument - the argument of the product is equal to the sum of the arguments of the factors.

Real logarithm

Logarithm of a real number log a b makes sense with style="max-width: 98%; height: auto; width: auto;" src="/pictures/wiki/files/55/7cd1159e49fee8eff61027c9cde84a53.png" border="0">.

The most widely used types of logarithms are:

If we consider the logarithmic number as a variable, we get logarithmic function, For example: . This function is defined on the right side of the number line: x> 0, is continuous and differentiable there (see Fig. 1).

Properties

Natural logarithms

When the equality is true

(1)

In particular,

This series converges faster, and in addition, the left side of the formula can now express the logarithm of any positive number.

Relationship with the decimal logarithm: .

Decimal logarithms

Rice. 2. Logarithmic scale

Logarithms to base 10 (symbol: lg a) before the invention of calculators were widely used for calculations. The uneven scale of decimal logarithms is usually marked on slide rules as well. A similar scale is widely used in various fields of science, for example:

  • Chemistry - activity of hydrogen ions ().
  • Music theory - a scale of notes, in relation to the frequencies of musical notes.

The logarithmic scale is also widely used to identify the exponent in power relations and the coefficient in the exponent. In this case, a graph constructed on a logarithmic scale along one or two axes takes the form of a straight line, which is easier to study.

Complex logarithm

Multivalued function

Riemann surface

A complex logarithmic function is an example of a Riemann surface; its imaginary part (Fig. 3) consists of an infinite number of branches, twisted like a spiral. This surface is simply connected; its only zero (of first order) is obtained at z= 1, singular points: z= 0 and (branch points of infinite order).

The Riemann surface of the logarithm is the universal covering for the complex plane without the point 0.

Historical sketch

Real logarithm

The need for complex calculations grew rapidly in the 16th century, and much of the difficulty involved multiplying and dividing multi-digit numbers. At the end of the century, several mathematicians, almost simultaneously, came up with the idea: to replace labor-intensive multiplication with simple addition, using special tables to compare the geometric and arithmetic progressions, with the geometric one being the original one. Then division is automatically replaced by the immeasurably simpler and more reliable subtraction. He was the first to publish this idea in his book “ Arithmetica integra"Michael Stiefel, who, however, did not make serious efforts to implement his idea.

In the 1620s, Edmund Wingate and William Oughtred invented the first slide rule, before the advent of pocket calculators—an indispensable engineer's tool.

A close to modern understanding of logarithmation - as the inverse operation of raising to a power - first appeared with Wallis and Johann Bernoulli, and was finally legitimized by Euler in the 18th century. In the book “Introduction to the Analysis of Infinites” (), Euler gave modern definitions of both exponential and logarithmic functions, expanded them into power series, and especially noted the role of the natural logarithm.

Euler is also credited with extending the logarithmic function to the complex domain.

Complex logarithm

The first attempts to extend logarithms to complex numbers were made at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries by Leibniz and Johann Bernoulli, but they failed to create a holistic theory, primarily because the very concept of a logarithm was not yet clearly defined. The discussion on this issue took place first between Leibniz and Bernoulli, and in the middle of the 18th century - between d'Alembert and Euler. Bernoulli and d'Alembert believed that it should be determined log(-x) = log(x). The complete theory of logarithms of negative and complex numbers was published by Euler in 1747-1751 and is essentially no different from the modern one.

Although the dispute continued (D'Alembert defended his point of view and argued it in detail in an article in his Encyclopedia and in other works), Euler's point of view quickly gained universal recognition.

Logarithmic tables

Logarithmic tables

From the properties of the logarithm it follows that instead of labor-intensive multiplication of multi-digit numbers, it is enough to find (from tables) and add their logarithms, and then, using the same tables, perform potentiation, that is, find the value of the result from its logarithm. Doing division differs only in that logarithms are subtracted. Laplace said that the invention of logarithms “extended the life of astronomers” by greatly speeding up the process of calculations.

When moving the decimal point in a number to n digits, the value of the decimal logarithm of this number changes to n. For example, log8314.63 = log8.31463 + 3. It follows that it is enough to compile a table of decimal logarithms for numbers in the range from 1 to 10.

The first tables of logarithms were published by John Napier (), and they contained only logarithms of trigonometric functions, and with errors. Independently of him, Joost Bürgi, a friend of Kepler (), published his tables. In 1617, Oxford mathematics professor Henry Briggs published tables that already included decimal logarithms of the numbers themselves, from 1 to 1000, with 8 (later 14) digits. But there were also errors in Briggs' tables. The first error-free edition based on the Vega tables () appeared only in 1857 in Berlin (Bremiwer tables).

In Russia, the first tables of logarithms were published in 1703 with the participation of L. F. Magnitsky. Several collections of logarithm tables were published in the USSR.

  • Bradis V. M. Four-digit math tables. 44th edition, M., 1973.

Material from Wikipedia - the free encyclopedia

Definition and properties

Complex zero does not have a logarithm because the complex exponent does not take the value zero. Non-zero z can be represented in demonstrative form:

z=r \cdot e^(i (\varphi + 2 \pi k))\;\;, Where k- arbitrary integer

Then \mathrm(Ln)\,z is found by the formula:

\mathrm(Ln)\,z = \ln r + i \left(\varphi + 2 \pi k \right)

Here \ln\,r= \ln\,|z|- real logarithm. It follows from this:

\mathrm(Ln) (-x) = \ln x + i \pi (2 k + 1) \qquad (x>0,\ k = 0, \pm 1, \pm 2 \dots)

Examples of complex logarithm values

Let us present the main value of the logarithm ( \ln) and its general expression ( \mathrm(Ln)) for some arguments:

\ln (1) = 0;\; \mathrm(Ln) (1) = 2k\pi i \ln (-1) = i \pi;\; \mathrm(Ln) (-1) = (2k+1)i \pi \ln (i) = i \frac(\pi) (2);\; \mathrm(Ln) (i) = i \frac(4k+1)(2) \pi

You should be careful when converting complex logarithms, taking into account that they are multi-valued, and therefore the equality of the logarithms of any expressions does not imply the equality of these expressions. Example erroneous reasoning:

i\pi = \ln(-1) = \ln((-i)^2) = 2\ln(-i) = 2(-i\pi/2) = -i\pi- an obvious mistake.

Note that on the left is the main value of the logarithm, and on the right is the value from the underlying branch ( k=-1). The cause of the error is careless use of the property \log_a((b^p)) = p~\log_a b, which, generally speaking, implies in the complex case the entire infinite set of values ​​of the logarithm, and not just the main value.

Complex logarithmic function and Riemann surface

Due to its simply connectedness, the Riemann surface of the logarithm is a universal covering for the complex plane without a point 0.

Analytical continuation

The logarithm of a complex number can also be defined as the analytic continuation of the real logarithm to the entire complex plane. Let the curve \Gamma starts at one, does not go through zero and does not cross the negative part of the real axis. Then the principal value of the logarithm at the end point w crooked \Gamma can be determined by the formula:

\ln z = \int\limits_\Gamma (du \over u)

If \Gamma- a simple curve (without self-intersections), then for numbers lying on it, logarithmic identities can be used without fear, for example:

\ln (wz) = \ln w + \ln z, ~\forall z,w\in\Gamma\colon zw\in \Gamma

The main branch of the logarithmic function is continuous and differentiable on the entire complex plane, except for the negative part of the real axis, on which the imaginary part changes abruptly to 2\pi. But this fact is a consequence of the artificial limitation of the imaginary part of the main value by the interval (-\pi, \pi]. If we consider all branches of the function, then continuity occurs at all points except zero, where the function is not defined. If you resolve the curve \Gamma cross the negative part of the real axis, then the first such intersection transfers the result from the main value branch to the adjacent branch, and each subsequent intersection causes a similar shift along the branches of the logarithmic function (see figure).

From the analytic continuation formula it follows that on any branch of the logarithm:

\frac(d)(dz) \ln z = (1\over z)

For any circle S, covering the point 0:

\oint\limits_S (dz \over z) = 2\pi i

The integral is taken in the positive direction (counterclockwise). This identity underlies the theory of residues.

One can also define the analytic continuation of the complex logarithm using series known for the real case:

{{{2}}} (Row 1)
{{{2}}} (Row 2)

However, from the form of these series it follows that at one the sum of the series is equal to zero, that is, the series relates only to the main branch of the multivalued function of the complex logarithm. The radius of convergence of both series is 1.

Connection with inverse trigonometric and hyperbolic functions

\operatorname(Arcsin) z = -i \operatorname(Ln) (i z + \sqrt(1-z^2)) \operatorname(Arccos) z = -i \operatorname(Ln) (z + i\sqrt(1-z^2)) \operatorname(Arctg) z = -\frac(i)(2) \ln \frac(1+z i)(1-z i) + k \pi \; (z \ne \pm i) \operatorname(Arcctg) z = -\frac(i)(2) \ln \frac(z i-1)(z i+1) + k \pi \; (z \ne \pm i) \operatorname(Arsh)z = \operatorname(Ln)(z+\sqrt(z^2+1))- inverse hyperbolic sine \operatorname(Arch)z=\operatorname(Ln) \left(z+\sqrt(z^(2)-1) \right)- inverse hyperbolic cosine \operatorname(Arth)z=\frac(1)(2)\operatorname(Ln)\left(\frac(1+z)(1-z)\right)- inverse hyperbolic tangent \operatorname(Arcth)z=\frac(1)(2)\operatorname(Ln)\left(\frac(z+1)(z-1)\right)- inverse hyperbolic cotangent

Historical sketch

The first attempts to extend logarithms to complex numbers were made at the turn of the 17th-18th centuries by Leibniz and Johann Bernoulli, but they failed to create a holistic theory, primarily because the very concept of logarithm was not yet clearly defined. The discussion on this issue took place first between Leibniz and Bernoulli, and in the middle of the 18th century between D’Alembert and Euler. Bernoulli and D'Alembert believed that it should be determined \log(-x) = \log(x), while Leibniz proved that the logarithm of a negative number is an imaginary number. The complete theory of logarithms of negative and complex numbers was published by Euler in 1747-1751 and is essentially no different from the modern one. Although the debate continued (D'Alembert defended his point of view and argued it in detail in an article in his Encyclopedia and in other works), Euler's approach received universal recognition by the end of the 18th century.

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Literature

Theory of logarithms
  • Korn G., Korn T.. - M.: Nauka, 1973. - 720 p.
  • Sveshnikov A. G., Tikhonov A. N. Theory of functions of a complex variable. - M.: Nauka, 1967. - 304 p.
  • Fikhtengolts G. M. Course of differential and integral calculus. - ed. 6th. - M.: Nauka, 1966. - 680 p.
History of logarithms
  • Mathematics of the 18th century // / Edited by A. P. Yushkevich, in three volumes. - M.: Science, 1972. - T. III.
  • Kolmogorov A. N., Yushkevich A. P. (eds.). Mathematics of the 19th century. Geometry. Theory of analytic functions. - M.: Science, 1981. - T. II.

Notes

  1. Logarithmic function. // . - M.: Soviet Encyclopedia, 1982. - T. 3.
  2. , Volume II, pp. 520-522..
  3. , With. 623..
  4. , With. 92-94..
  5. , With. 45-46, 99-100..
  6. Boltyansky V. G., Efremovich V. A.. - M.: Nauka, 1982. - P. 112. - (Kvant Library, issue 21).
  7. , Volume II, pp. 522-526..
  8. , With. 624..
  9. , With. 325-328..
  10. Rybnikov K. A. History of mathematics. In two volumes. - M.: Publishing house. Moscow State University, 1963. - T. II. - P. 27, 230-231..
  11. , With. 122-123..
  12. Klein F.. - M.: Science, 1987. - T. II. Geometry. - pp. 159-161. - 416 s.

An excerpt characterizing the Complex logarithm

It was clear that this strong, strange man was under the irresistible influence exerted on him by this dark, graceful, loving girl.
Rostov noticed something new between Dolokhov and Sonya; but he did not define to himself what kind of new relationship this was. “They are all in love with someone there,” he thought about Sonya and Natasha. But he was not as comfortable as before with Sonya and Dolokhov, and he began to be at home less often.
Since the autumn of 1806, everything again started talking about the war with Napoleon even more fervently than last year. Not only were recruits appointed, but also 9 more warriors out of a thousand. Everywhere they cursed Bonaparte with anathema, and in Moscow there was only talk about the upcoming war. For the Rostov family, the whole interest of these preparations for war lay only in the fact that Nikolushka would never agree to stay in Moscow and was only waiting for the end of Denisov’s leave in order to go with him to the regiment after the holidays. The upcoming departure not only did not prevent him from having fun, but also encouraged him to do so. He spent most of his time outside the house, at dinners, evenings and balls.

XI
On the third day of Christmas, Nikolai dined at home, which had rarely happened to him lately. It was officially a farewell dinner, since he and Denisov were leaving for the regiment after Epiphany. About twenty people were having lunch, including Dolokhov and Denisov.
Never in the Rostov house did the air of love, the atmosphere of love, make itself felt with such force as on these holidays. “Catch moments of happiness, force yourself to love, fall in love yourself! Only this one thing is real in the world - the rest is all nonsense. And that’s all we’re doing here,” said the atmosphere. Nikolai, as always, having tortured two pairs of horses and not having had time to visit all the places where he needed to be and where he was called, arrived home just before lunch. As soon as he entered, he noticed and felt the tense, loving atmosphere in the house, but he also noticed a strange confusion reigning between some of the members of the society. Sonya, Dolokhov, the old countess and a little Natasha were especially excited. Nikolai realized that something was going to happen before dinner between Sonya and Dolokhov, and with his characteristic sensitivity of heart he was very gentle and careful during dinner in dealing with both of them. On the same evening of the third day of the holidays there was to be one of those balls at Yogel (the dance teacher), which he gave on holidays for all his students and female students.
- Nikolenka, will you go to Yogel? Please go,” Natasha told him, “he especially asked you, and Vasily Dmitrich (it was Denisov) is going.”
“Wherever I go on the orders of Mr. Athena!” said Denisov, who jokingly placed himself in the Rostov house on the foot of the knight Natasha, “pas de chale [dance with a shawl] is ready to dance.”
- If I have time! “I promised the Arkharovs, it’s their evening,” Nikolai said.
“And you?...” he turned to Dolokhov. And just now I asked this, I noticed that this shouldn’t have been asked.
“Yes, maybe...” Dolokhov answered coldly and angrily, looking at Sonya and, frowning, with exactly the same look as he looked at Pierre at the club dinner, he looked again at Nikolai.
“There is something,” thought Nikolai, and this assumption was further confirmed by the fact that Dolokhov left immediately after dinner. He called Natasha and asked what was it?
“I was looking for you,” Natasha said, running out to him. “I told you, you still didn’t want to believe,” she said triumphantly, “he proposed to Sonya.”
No matter how little Nikolai did with Sonya during this time, something seemed to come off in him when he heard this. Dolokhov was a decent and in some respects a brilliant match for the dowry-free orphan Sonya. From the point of view of the old countess and the world, it was impossible to refuse him. And therefore Nikolai’s first feeling when he heard this was anger against Sonya. He was preparing to say: “And great, of course, we must forget our childhood promises and accept the offer”; but he didn’t have time to say it yet...
– You can imagine! She refused, completely refused! – Natasha spoke. “She said she loves someone else,” she added after a short silence.
“Yes, my Sonya could not have done otherwise!” thought Nikolai.
“No matter how much my mother asked her, she refused, and I know she won’t change what she said...
- And mom asked her! – Nikolai said reproachfully.
“Yes,” said Natasha. - You know, Nikolenka, don’t be angry; but I know that you will not marry her. I know, God knows why, I know for sure, you won’t get married.
“Well, you don’t know that,” said Nikolai; – but I need to talk to her. What a beauty this Sonya is! – he added smiling.
- This is so lovely! I'll send it to you. - And Natasha, kissing her brother, ran away.
A minute later Sonya came in, frightened, confused and guilty. Nikolai approached her and kissed her hand. This was the first time on this visit that they spoke face to face and about their love.
“Sophie,” he said timidly at first, and then more and more boldly, “if you want to refuse not only a brilliant, profitable match; but he is a wonderful, noble man... he is my friend...
Sonya interrupted him.
“I already refused,” she said hastily.
- If you refuse for me, then I’m afraid that on me...
Sonya interrupted him again. She looked at him with pleading, frightened eyes.
“Nicolas, don’t tell me that,” she said.
- No, I have to. Maybe this is suffisance [arrogance] on my part, but it’s better to say. If you refuse for me, then I must tell you the whole truth. I love you, I think, more than anyone...
“That’s enough for me,” Sonya said, flushing.
- No, but I have fallen in love a thousand times and will continue to fall in love, although I do not have such a feeling of friendship, trust, love for anyone as for you. Then I'm young. Maman doesn't want this. Well, it's just that I don't promise anything. And I ask you to think about Dolokhov’s proposal,” he said, having difficulty pronouncing his friend’s last name.
- Don't tell me that. I do not want anything. I love you like a brother, and will always love you, and I don’t need anything more.
“You are an angel, I am not worthy of you, but I am only afraid of deceiving you.” – Nikolai kissed her hand again.

Yogel had the most fun balls in Moscow. This was what the mothers said, looking at their adolescentes [girls] performing their newly learned steps; this was said by the adolescentes and adolescents themselves, [girls and boys] who danced until they dropped; these grown-up girls and young men who came to these balls with the idea of ​​condescending to them and finding the best fun in them. In the same year, two marriages took place at these balls. The two pretty princesses of the Gorchakovs found suitors and got married, and even more so they launched these balls into glory. What was special about these balls was that there was no host and hostess: there was the good-natured Yogel, like flying feathers, shuffling around according to the rules of art, who accepted tickets for lessons from all his guests; It was that only those who wanted to dance and have fun, like 13 and 14 year old girls who put on long dresses for the first time, want to go to these balls. Everyone, with rare exceptions, was or seemed pretty: they all smiled so enthusiastically and their eyes lit up so much. Sometimes even the best students danced pas de chale, of whom the best was Natasha, distinguished by her grace; but at this last ball only ecosaises, anglaises and the mazurka, which was just coming into fashion, were danced. The hall was taken by Yogel to Bezukhov’s house, and the ball was a great success, as everyone said. There were a lot of pretty girls, and the Rostov ladies were among the best. They were both especially happy and cheerful. That evening, Sonya, proud of Dolokhov’s proposal, her refusal and explanation with Nikolai, was still spinning at home, not allowing the girl to finish her braids, and now she was glowing through and through with impetuous joy.
Natasha, no less proud that she was wearing a long dress for the first time at a real ball, was even happier. Both were wearing white muslin dresses with pink ribbons.
Natasha became in love from the very minute she entered the ball. She was not in love with anyone in particular, but she was in love with everyone. The one she looked at at the moment she looked at was the one she was in love with.
- Oh, how good! – she kept saying, running up to Sonya.
Nikolai and Denisov walked around the halls, looking at the dancers affectionately and patronizingly.
“How sweet she will be,” Denisov said.
- Who?
“Athena Natasha,” answered Denisov.
“And how she dances, what a g”ation!” after a short silence, he said again.
- Who are you talking about?
“About your sister,” Denisov shouted angrily.
Rostov grinned.
– Mon cher comte; vous etes l"un de mes meilleurs ecoliers, il faut que vous dansiez,” said little Jogel, approaching Nikolai. “Voyez combien de jolies demoiselles.” [My dear Count, you are one of my best students. You need to dance. Look how much pretty girls!] – He made the same request to Denisov, also his former student.
“Non, mon cher, je fe"ai tapisse"ie, [No, my dear, I’ll sit by the wall," Denisov said. “Don’t you remember how badly I used your lessons?”
- Oh no! – Jogel said hastily consoling him. – You were just inattentive, but you had abilities, yes, you had abilities.
The newly introduced mazurka was played; Nikolai could not refuse Yogel and invited Sonya. Denisov sat down next to the old ladies and, leaning his elbows on his saber, stamping his beat, told something cheerfully and made the old ladies laugh, looking at the dancing young people. Yogel, in the first couple, danced with Natasha, his pride and best student. Gently, tenderly moving his feet in his shoes, Yogel was the first to fly across the hall with Natasha, who was timid, but diligently performing steps. Denisov did not take his eyes off her and tapped the beat with his saber, with an expression that clearly said that he himself did not dance only because he did not want to, and not because he could not. In the middle of the figure, he called Rostov, who was passing by, to him.
“It’s not the same at all,” he said. - Is this a Polish mazurka? And she dances excellently. - Knowing that Denisov was even famous in Poland for his skill in dancing the Polish mazurka, Nikolai ran up to Natasha:
- Go and choose Denisov. Here he is dancing! Miracle! - he said.
When Natasha’s turn came again, she stood up and quickly fingering her shoes with bows, timidly, ran alone across the hall to the corner where Denisov was sitting. She saw that everyone was looking at her and waiting. Nikolai saw that Denisov and Natasha were arguing smiling, and that Denisov was refusing, but smiling joyfully. He ran up.
“Please, Vasily Dmitrich,” Natasha said, “let’s go, please.”
“Yes, that’s it, g’athena,” Denisov said.
“Well, that’s enough, Vasya,” said Nikolai.
“It’s like they’re trying to persuade Vaska the cat,” Denisov said jokingly.
“I’ll sing to you all evening,” said Natasha.
- The sorceress will do anything to me! - Denisov said and unfastened his saber. He came out from behind the chairs, firmly took his lady by the hand, raised his head and put his foot down, waiting for tact. Only on horseback and in the mazurka, Denisov’s short stature was not visible, and he seemed to be the same young man that he felt himself to be. Having waited for the beat, he glanced triumphantly and playfully at his lady from the side, suddenly tapped one foot and, like a ball, elastically bounced off the floor and flew along in a circle, dragging his lady with him. He silently flew halfway across the hall on one leg, and it seemed that he did not see the chairs standing in front of him and rushed straight towards them; but suddenly, clicking his spurs and spreading his legs, he stopped on his heels, stood there for a second, with the roar of spurs, knocked his feet in one place, quickly turned around and, clicking his right foot with his left foot, again flew in a circle. Natasha guessed what he intended to do, and, without knowing how, she followed him - surrendering herself to him. Now he circled her, now on his right, now on his left hand, now falling on his knees, he circled her around himself, and again he jumped up and ran forward with such swiftness, as if he intended to run across all the rooms without taking a breath; then suddenly he stopped again and again made a new and unexpected knee. When he, briskly spinning the lady in front of her place, snapped his spur, bowing before her, Natasha did not even curtsey for him. She stared at him in bewilderment, smiling as if she didn’t recognize him. - What is this? - she said.
Despite the fact that Yogel did not recognize this mazurka as real, everyone was delighted with Denisov’s skill, they began to choose him incessantly, and the old people, smiling, began to talk about Poland and about the good old days. Denisov, flushed from the mazurka and wiping himself with a handkerchief, sat down next to Natasha and did not leave her side throughout the entire ball.

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