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Rectangle Triangle
w a c
h
l
A=lw P = 2 l + 2w
b
A area A = 1 bh P=a+b+c
2
P perimeter
l length A area
w width P perimeter
b base
h altitude
a, c sides
h
c
b
b
a
A = bh
Pythagorean theorem: a2 + b2 = c2
A area
a, b legs
b base
c hypotenuse
h altitude ( height)
Trapezoid Circle
b1
b2
A = 1 h (b1 + b2 )
2
A area
b1, b2 bases A = πr2 C = 2 πr
h altitude A area
C circumference
r radius
Cube Rectangular Prism
s
s c
s
V = s3 S = 6s2 a
V volume
V = abc S = 2 ac + 2 ab + 2bc
S total surface area
s length of a side V volume
S total surface area
a width
b length
c height
r
r
h
V = 4 πr 3 S = 4πr 2 V = πr 2h S = 2 πr 2 + 2π rh
3
V volume V volume
S total surface area S total surface area
r radius r radius
h altitude (height)
h s
h
base r
V = 1 πr 2 h S = πr 2 + πr s
3
V = 1 Bh
3 V volume
V volume S total surface area
B area of base r radius
h altitude ( height) h altitude (height)
s slant height
ELEMENTARY
ALGEBRA
NINTH EDITION
This page intentionally left blank
NINTH
ELEMENTARY
EDITION
ALGEBRA
Jerome E. Kaufmann
Karen L. Schwitters
Seminole State College of Florida
Australia • Brazil • Japan • Korea • Mexico • Singapore • Spain • United Kingdom • United States
Elementary Algebra, Ninth Edition © 2011, 2007 Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning
Jerome E. Kaufmann and Karen L. Schwitters
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright
herein may be reproduced, transmitted, stored, or used in any form or by
Mathematics Editor: Marc Bove
any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including but not limited to
Developmental Editor: Meaghan Banks photocopying, recording, scanning, digitizing, taping, Web distribution,
information networks, or information storage and retrieval systems,
Assistant Editor: Stefanie Beeck
except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States
Editorial Assistant: Kyle O’Loughlin Copyright Act, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
2 Real Numbers 41
2.1 Rational Numbers: Multiplication and Division 42
2.2 Addition and Subtraction of Rational Numbers 50
2.3 Real Numbers and Algebraic Expressions 59
2.4 Exponents 69
2.5 Translating from English to Algebra 75
Chapter 2 Summary 82
Chapter 2 Review Problem Set 85
Chapter 2 Test 87
Chapters 1 – 2 Cumulative Review Problem Set 88
v
vi Contents
Index I-1
PREFACE
When preparing Elementary Algebra, Ninth Edition, we attempted to preserve the fea-
tures that made the previous editions successful; at the same time we incorporated several
improvements suggested by reviewers.
This text was written for those students who have never had an elementary algebra course
and for those who need a review before taking additional mathematics courses. The basic con-
cepts of elementary algebra are presented in a simple, straightforward manner. These con-
cepts are developed through examples, continuously reinforced through additional examples,
and then applied in problem-solving situations.
Algebraic ideas are developed in a logical sequence, and in an easy-to-read manner, with-
out excessive vocabulary and formalism. Whenever possible, the algebraic concepts are
allowed to develop from their arithmetic counterparts. The following are two specific exam-
ples of this development.
• Manipulation with simple algebraic fractions begins early (Sections 2.1 and 2.2) when
we review operations with rational numbers.
• Multiplying monomials, without any of the formal vocabulary, is introduced in Section
2.4 when we work with exponents.
There is a common thread that runs throughout the book: first, learn the skill; next,
practice the skill to help solve equations; and finally apply the skill to solve application
problems. This thread influenced some of the decisions we made in preparing this text.
• Approximately 550 word problems are scattered throughout this text. (Appendix B con-
tains another 150 word problems.) Every effort was made to start with easy problems,
in order to build students’ confidence in solving word problems. We offer numerous
problem-solving suggestions with special discussions in several sections. We feel that
the key to solving word problems is to work with various problem-solving techniques
rather than to be overly concerned about whether all the traditional types of problems
are being covered.
• Newly acquired skills are used as soon as possible to solve equations and applications.
So the work with solving equations is introduced early—in Chapter 3—and is developed
throughout the text. This concept continues through the sections on solving equations in
two variables (in Chapter 8).
• Chapter 6 ties together the concepts of factoring, solving equations, and solving applica-
tions.
In approximately 700 worked-out examples, we demonstrate a wide variety of situations, but
we leave some things for students to think about in the problem sets. We also use examples
to guide students in organizing their work and to help them decide when they may try a short-
cut. The progression from showing all steps to demonstrating a suggested shortcut format is
gradual.
As recommended by the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, we
integrate some geometric concepts into a problem-solving setting, and these show the connec-
tions among algebra, geometry, and the real world. Approximately 25 examples and 180 prob-
lems are designed to review basic geometry ideas. The following sections contain the bulk of
the geometry material:
Section 2.5: Linear measurement concepts
Section 3.3: Complementary and supplementary angles; the sum of the measures of the three
angles of a triangle equals 180⬚
Section 4.3: Area and volume formulas
Section 6.3: The Pythagorean theorem
Section 10.1: More on the Pythagorean theorem, including work with isosceles right triangles
and 30⬚–60⬚ right triangles
ix
x Preface
New Features
Design
The new design creates a spacious format that allows for continuous and easy reading, as
color and form guide students through the concepts presented in the text. Page size has
slightly enlarged, enhancing the design to be visually intuitive without increasing the length
of the book.
M
Learning Objectives
Found at the beginning of each section,
Learning Objectives are mapped to
Problem Sets and to the Chapter
Summary.
Classroom Examples
M
Concept Quiz
M
Chapter Summary
M
The new grid format of the Chapter Chapter 2 Summary
Summary allows students to review
OBJECTIVE SUMMARY EXAMPLE
material quickly and easily. Each
Classify numbers in the real Any number that has a terminating or 3
Classify ⫺1, 27, and .
row of the Chapter Summary number system.
(Section 2.3/Objective 1)
repeating decimal representation is a
rational number. Any number that has a
4
Continuing Features
Explanations
Annotations in the examples and text provide further explanations of the material.
Examples
More than 700 worked-out Examples show students how to use and apply mathematical
concepts. Every example has a corresponding Classroom Example for the teacher to use.
Further Investigations
Many problem sets include Further Investigations, which allow students to pursue more
complicated ideas. Many of these investigations lend themselves to small group work.
Problem Sets
Problems Sets contain a wide variety of skill-development exercises. Because problem sets
are a focal point of every revision, problems are added, deleted, and reworded based on
users’ suggestions.
Answers
The answer section at the back of the text provides answers to the odd-numbered exercises
in the problem sets and to all answers in the Chapter Review Problem Sets, Chapter Tests,
Cumulative Review Problem Sets, and to Appendix B (Extra Word Problems).
xii Preface
Content Changes
• A focal point of every revision is the problem sets. Some users of the previous edition
have suggested that the “very good” problem sets could be made even better by adding
a few problems in different places. Based on these suggestions, problems have been
added to Problem Sets 2.4, 4.1, 6.2, and 8.4. Problem Sets 8.5 and 8.6 are basically new
to this edition, because the text in those sections has been rewritten.
• In Section 6.5 we reinforced the thread learn a skill, use the skill to help solve equa-
tions, and then use equations to help solve applications. Then we offered a step-by-step
procedure for solving equations in this section.
• In Section 7.1 we clarified the distinction between an algebraic fraction and a rational
expression. We also explained that the algebraic fractions in this chapter are all ration-
al expressions.
• In Section 7.5 we briefly reviewed the concept of a proportion and then used the
cross product property to solve some rational equations that were in the form of a
proportion.
• At the end of Section 8.4, we added material on writing equations of lines parallel
and perpendicular to a given line. Appropriate problems were then added to Problem
Set 8.4.
• Sections 8.5 and 8.6 are new sections. In Section 8.5 we introduce the method of solv-
ing systems of two linear equations by graphing the equations. We follow this with a
discussion of the substitution method. In Section 8.6 the elimination-by-addition
method is presented using a format that extends naturally to systems of three linear
equations. In Section 11.2 we explore the systems of three linear equations for those
that want to follow that path.
Electronic Ancillaries
Solutions Builder (0-538-74019-1)
This online solutions manual allows instructors to create customizable solutions that they can
print out to distribute or post as needed. This is a convenient and expedient way to deliver
solutions to specific homework sets.
M
Note that the WebAssign problems for this text are highlighted by a .
Electronic Ancillaries
Enhanced WebAssign (0-538-73809-X, 0-538-73810-3 with eBook)
Enhanced as in WebAssign, used by over one million students at more than 1,100 institutions,
allows you to do homework assignments and get extra help and practice via the web. This
proven and reliable homework system includes thousands of algorithmically generated home-
work problems, an eBook, links to relevant textbook sections, video examples, problem-
specific tutorials, and more.
Additional Resources
Mastering Mathematics: How to Be a Great Math Student, 3e (0-534-34947-1)
Richard Manning Smith, Ph.D., Bryant College
Providing solid tips for every stage of study, Mastering Mathematics stresses the importance
of a positive attitude and gives students the tools to succeed in their math course. This prac-
tical guide will help students avoid mental blocks during math exams, identify and improve
areas of weakness, get the most out of class time, study more effectively, overcome a per-
ceived “low math ability,” be successful on math tests, get back on track when feeling “lost,”
and much more!
Acknowledgments
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people who served as review-
ers for the ninth editions of the Kaufmann-Schwitters algebra series:
Yusuf Abdi Radha Sankaran
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey Passaic County Community College
Kim Gwydir Joan Smeltzer
University of Miami; Penn State University, York Campus
Florida International University
Janet Hansen Brandon Smith
Dixie Junior College Wallace Community College, Hanceville
M. Randall Holmes Kathy Spradlin
Boise State University Liberty University
Carolyn Horseman Hien Van Eaton
Polk Community College, Winter Haven Liberty University
Jeffrey Osikiewicz James Wood
Kent State University Tarleton State University
Tammy Ott Rebecca Wulf
Penn State University Ivy Tech Community College, Lafayette
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the staff of Cengage Learning, especially
to Marc Bove, for his continuous cooperation and assistance throughout this project; and to
Susan Graham and Tanya Nigh, who carry out the many details of production. Finally, very
special thanks are due to Arlene Kaufmann, who spends numerous hours reading page proofs.
Jerome E. Kaufmann
Karen L. Schwitters
1 Some Basic Concepts
of Arithmetic and Algebra
© photogolfer
Golfers are familiar with positive
and negative integers.
Karla started 2010 with $500 in her savings account, and she planned to
save an additional $15 per month for all of 2010. Without considering any accu-
mulated interest, the numerical expression 500 12(15) represents the amount
in her savings account at the end of 2010.
The numbers 2, 1, 3, 1, and 4 represent Woody’s scores relative to par
for five rounds of golf. The numerical expression 2 (1) (3) 1 (4) can be
used to determine how Woody stands relative to par at the end of the five rounds.
The temperature at 4 A.M. was 14°F. By noon the temperature had in-
creased by 23°F. The numerical expression 14 23 can be used to determine
the temperature at noon.
In the first two chapters of this text the concept of a numerical expression is
used as a basis for reviewing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of
various kinds of numbers. Then the concept of a variable allows us to move from
numerical expressions to algebraic expressions; that is, to start the transition
from arithmetic to algebra. Keep in mind that algebra is simply a generalized
In arithmetic, we use symbols such as 4, 8, 17, and to represent numbers. We indicate the
basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division by the symbols , , ,
and , respectively. With these symbols we can formulate specific numerical expressions.
For example, we can write the indicated sum of eight and four as 8 4.
In algebra, variables allow us to generalize. By letting x and y represent any number,
we can use the expression x y to represent the indicated sum of any two numbers. The x
and y in such an expression are called variables and the phrase x y is called an algebraic
expression. We commonly use letters of the alphabet such as x, y, z, and w as variables; the
key idea is that they represent numbers. Our review of various operations and properties per-
taining to numbers establishes the foundation for our study of algebra.
Many of the notational agreements made in arithmetic are extended to algebra with a few
slight modifications. The following chart summarizes the notational agreements that pertain
to the four basic operations. Notice the variety of ways to write a product by including paren-
theses to indicate multiplication. Actually, the ab form is the simplest and probably the most
used form; expressions such as abc, 6x, and 7xyz all indicate multiplication. Also note the
c
various forms for indicating division; the fractional form, , is usually used in algebra,
d
although the other forms do serve a purpose at times.
We can modify the listing approach if the number of elements is large. For example, all of the
letters of the alphabet can be listed as
{a, b, c, . . . , z}
We begin by simply writing enough elements to establish a pattern, then the three dots indi-
cate that the set continues in that pattern. The final entry indicates the last element of the pat-
tern. If we write
{1, 2, 3, . . .}
the set begins with the counting numbers 1, 2, and 3. The three dots indicate that it continues
in a like manner forever; there is no last element.
A set that consists of no elements is called the null set (written ). Two sets are said to
be equal if they contain exactly the same elements. For example,
{1, 2, 3} {2, 1, 3}
because both sets contain the same elements; the order in which the elements are written
does not matter. The slash mark through the equality symbol denotes not equal to. Thus if
A {1, 2, 3} and B {1, 2, 3, 4}, we can write A ⬆ B, which we read as “set A is not equal
to set B.”
Solution
The additions and subtractions should be performed from left to right in the order that they
appear. Thus 8 7 4 12 7 14 simplifies to 30.
Solution
The parentheses indicate the product of 7 and the quantity 9 5. Perform the addition
inside the parentheses first and then multiply; 7(9 5) thus simplifies to 7(14), which
becomes 98.
Solution
First, we perform the operations inside the parentheses; (7 8) (4 1) thus becomes
15 3, which is 5.
78
We frequently express a problem like Example 3 in the form . We don’t need
41
parentheses in this case because the fraction bar indicates that the sum of 7 and 8 is to be
divided by the difference, 4 1. A problem may, however, contain parentheses and fraction
bars, as the next example illustrates.
4 Chapter 1 • Some Basic Concepts of Arithmetic and Algebra
Solution
If there are no parentheses to indicate otherwise, multiplication takes precedence over addi-
tion. First perform the multiplication, and then do the addition; 7 9 5 therefore simplifies
to 63 5, which is 68.
Solution
We use brackets for the same purpose as parentheses. In such a problem we need to simplify
from the inside out; perform the operations inside the innermost parentheses first.
5 6[2(3 9) ] 5 6[2(12) ]
5 6[24]
5 144
149
Let’s now summarize the ideas presented in the previous examples regarding simplify-
ing numerical expressions. When simplifying a numerical expression, use the following
order of operations.
1.1 • Numerical and Algebraic Expressions 5
Order of Operations
1. Perform the operations inside the symbols of inclusion (parentheses and brackets)
and above and below each fraction bar. Start with the innermost inclusion symbol.
2. Perform all multiplications and divisions in the order that they appear, from left to
right.
3. Perform all additions and subtractions in the order that they appear, from left to
right.
An algebraic expression takes on a numerical value whenever each variable in the expres-
sion is replaced by a specific number. For example, if x is replaced by 9 and z by 4, the alge-
braic expression x z becomes the numerical expression 9 4, which simplifies to 5. We
say that x z “has a value of 5” when x equals 9 and z equals 4. The value of x z, when x
equals 25 and z equals 12, is 13. The general algebraic expression x z has a specific value
each time x and z are replaced by numbers.
Consider the following examples, which illustrate the process of finding a value of an
algebraic expression. We call this process evaluating algebraic expressions.
Classroom Example EXAMPLE 9 Find the value of 3x 2y , when x is replaced by 5 and y by 17.
Find the value of 5x 4y, when x is
replaced by 3 and y by 13.
Solution
The following format is convenient for such problems.
3x 2y 3(5) 2(17) when x 5 and y 17
15 34
49
Note that in Example 9, for the algebraic expression 3x 2y , the multiplications “3 times x”
and “2 times y” are implied without the use of parentheses. Substituting the numbers switches
the algebraic expression to a numerical expression, and then parentheses are used to indicate the
multiplication.
Classroom Example EXAMPLE 10 Find the value of 12a 3b, when a 5 and b 9.
Find the value of 11m 5n, when
m 4 and n 7.
Solution
12a 3b 12(5) 3(9) when a 5 and b 9
60 27
33
6 Chapter 1 • Some Basic Concepts of Arithmetic and Algebra
BOOK V
CHAPTER I
Not long before the catastrophe that befell Petenka, Arina Petrovna,
on one of her visits to Golovliovo, noticed a change in Yevpraksia.
Brought up in the practices of serfdom, where the pregnancy of a
domestic was the subject of a detailed and not uninteresting
investigation, and was even considered an item of income, Arina
Petrovna had a keen eye for such matters. She merely looked at
Yevpraksia, and the girl, without saying a word, turned away her
flushed face in full cognizance of her guilt.
"Come now, come now, my lady. Look at me. Pregnant, eh?" the
experienced old woman asked the young culprit. However, there was
no reproach in her voice, on the contrary, it sounded jocose, almost
gay, as if the old woman scented a whiff of the dear, good, old
times.
Yevpraksia, bashful and complacent, kept silence, but under Arina
Petrovna's inquisitive look, the red of her cheeks deepened.
"For some time I have been noticing that you walk kind of stiff,
strutting about and twirling your skirts as if you were a respectable
lady! But, my dear, you can't fool me with your strutting and twirling.
I can see your girlish tricks five versts ahead! Is it the wind that
puffed you up? Since when is it? Out with it now. Tell me all about
it."
A detailed inquiry ensued, followed by a no less detailed explanation.
When had the first symptoms appeared? Had she a midwife in view?
Did Porfiry Vladimirych know of the joy in store for him? Was
Yevpraksia taking good care of herself? Was she careful not to lift
anything heavy? The findings were that it was now the fifth month
since Yevpraksia had been pregnant; that she had no midwife in
view as yet; that Porfiry Vladimirych had been informed of the
matter, but had said nothing. He had only folded his hands,
mumbled something, and glanced at the ikon, to intimate that all is
from God and that He, the Heavenly Father, provides for all
occasions. Yevpraksia had been careless; she had lifted a samovar
and had then and there felt that something inside of her snapped.
"You've got brains, I must say," said Arina Petrovna in a grieved tone
when the confession was out. "I see I'll have to look into the matter
myself. Did you ever! A woman in the fifth month and hasn't even
provided for a midwife! But why at least didn't you see Ulita about it,
you fool, you?"
"I was going to, but the master doesn't like Ulita, you know."
"Nonsense, girl, nonsense! Whether Ulita offended the master or not
has nothing at all to do with the case. He doesn't have to kiss her,
does he? No, there is no way out of it. I'll have to take this thing in
hand myself."
It was on the tip of her tongue to complain that even in her old age
she had hardships to bear, but the subject of the conversation was
so attractive that she only parted her lips with a smack and
continued:
"Well, my girl, you are in for it. Take your medicine, try it and see
how it tastes. Go ahead, just try it. I myself raised three sons and a
daughter, and I buried five little ones—I ought to know. We are no
better than slaves to those nasty men!" she added, slapping herself
on the nape of her neck.
Suddenly, she stopped, struck by a new idea. "Holy saints! If it isn't
going to be in Lent! Wait, just a moment, let's figure it out."
They began to figure on their fingers, they figured once, twice, a
third time—it surely came out on a Lenten day.
"So that's how it is. That's the kind of saint he is. Just wait, I'll tease
the life out of him. A pretty mess for him! I'll tease him. My name is
mud if I won't," jested Arina Petrovna.
And truly, that very day, when all were gathered at evening tea,
Arina Petrovna began to poke fun at Yudushka.
"See what a trick our saint has played. Maybe it really is the wind
that puffed your queen up. Well, brother, you've surprised me, I
must say."
At first Yudushka answered his mother's banter with grimaces of
aversion, but seeing that Arina Petrovna spoke good-naturedly and
meant no harm, he brightened up little by little.
"You are wag, mother dear, you certainly are," he jested in his turn,
though evading the real point.
"Why call me a wag? We had better speak seriously about the
matter. It's no joke, you know. It's a 'sacrament,' that's what it is.
Though not a proper one but still——No, we've got to give it serious
thought. What do you think; is she to stay here, or will you send her
to the town?"
"I don't know, mother, I don't know a thing, darling," said Porfiry
Vladimirych evasively. "You are a wag, you certainly are."
"Well, my girl, never mind, then. We'll talk it over, just the two of us,
at leisure. We'll figure it out, and arrange things properly. These
mean men—all they need is to satisfy their lust, and we, poor devils,
we get the worst of it."
Arina Petrovna felt in her element. She spent a whole evening
discussing things with Yevpraksia and could have gone on
indefinitely. Even her cheeks began to glow and her eyes to glitter
youthfully.
"You know, my dear, what it is? It's something divine, it is," she
insisted. "Because, even if it isn't in the proper way, still it's the
natural way. But you had better look out. If it comes during Lent—
God save you! I'll tease you to death, I'll make this world too hot for
you."
Ulita was also called into the council. First matters of real importance
were taken up; whether an injection was to be made or whether the
abdomen was to be massaged with quicksilver salve. Then they
turned to the favorite theme and figured on their fingers again—it
came out on a Lenten day! Yevpraksia turned as red as a peony and
did not deny it, but pleaded her subordinate position.
"What could I do?" she said. "I must do what he wants me to do. If
the master orders us to do something, we, poor devils, can't help
but obey."
"Look at her playing the goody-goody. I'll bet, you yourself—-"
jested Arina Petrovna.
The woman fairly revelled in the affair. Arina Petrovna recalled a
number of incidents from her past, and did not fail to narrate them.
First she told of her own pregnancies, what tortures she had had to
stand from Simple Simon; how, while carrying Pavel Vladimirych, she
travelled by post to Moscow, changing horses at every stage so as
not to miss the Dubrovino auction, and as a result nearly departed
to the better world, etc., etc. All her deliveries had been remarkable
for something or other. Yudushka's was the only one that had come
easy.
"I didn't feel the least bit of heaviness," she said. "I would sit and
think, 'Lord, am I really pregnant?' And when the time came I just
lay down to rest for a few minutes and I don't know how it
happened—I gave birth to him. He was the easiest son to me, the
very, very easiest."
Then followed stories about domestics, how she herself "caught
some of them in the act," how others were spied upon by her
trusties, Ulita being generally the leader. Her old woman's memory
faithfully guarded these remarkably distinct recollections. In all her
drab past—always devoted to hoarding on both a petty and a large
scale, the tracking of lust-stricken domestics was the only romantic
element that touched a living chord in her.
It was as if in a dull magazine where the reader expects to find
treatises on dry fogs and Ovid's grave, he suddenly comes upon
"See the troika, gaily dashing," or some such spirited song of gaiety
or sadness. The dénouement of these simple love affairs of the
maids' room was generally drastic and even cruel. The woman was
married off into a remote village, by all means to a widower with a
large family, the male culprit was degraded to the position of a cattle
tender or even pressed into military service. Arina Petrovna's
recollection of the closing chapters of such romances had faded
(cultured people have a memory indulgent of their own past), but
the spying out of the amorous intrigues passed before her eyes in all
its vividness. And no wonder. In those days there was the same
absorbing interest in spying of that sort as there is nowadays in the
serial "evening story," in which the author, instead of at once
crowning the mutual longing of the hero and the heroine, breaks off
at the most pathetic place and writes, "to be continued."
"Those girls gave me no end of trouble. Some would keep up the
pretense to the last minute, and would feign and sham in the hope
of eluding me. But no, my dear, you can't fool me. I am an old hand
at it myself," she added almost sternly, as if threatening some one.
Finally came the stories of diplomatic pregnancies, so to speak, in
which Arina Petrovna had figured not as the chastiser, but as the
accomplice and concealer.
For example, her father Piotr Ivanych, when he was an old, tottering
man of seventy, had also had a "mistress," who had also been
discovered with an "increment"; and for higher considerations it had
been necessary to conceal the "increment" from the old man. As ill
luck would have it, Arina Petrovna was then at odds with her brother
Piotr Petrovich who, also for some diplomatic reasons, had wanted
to spy upon the pregnancy and leave his father in no doubt as to his
lady-love's position.
"And what do you think? We carried the whole thing through almost
in front of father's nose. The old dear slept in his bedroom, and the
two of us, alongside of him, went on with our work, quietly, in a
whisper and on tiptoe. I myself with my own hands closed up her
mouth, so she could not scream, disposed of the linen, and then
grabbed hold of her baby—he was a fine, big fellow—and dispatched
him to the foundling asylum. When brother learned about it a week
later he only gasped."
There had been another diplomatic pregnancy. Her cousin Varvara
Mikhailovna had been involved in the case. Her husband had left on
a campaign against the Turks, and she had not been sufficiently
careful. She came galloping to Golovliovo like one possessed and
had shouted "Save me, cousin!"
"Well, though we were on the outs with her at that time, I did not
make her feel it. I welcomed her in the most hospitable way, calmed
her, reassured her, pretended she had just come to us on a visit, and
fixed the matter up so that her husband did not know a thing about
it till his dying day."
Thus ran the tales of Arina Petrovna, and seldom has a narrator
found more attentive listeners. Yevpraksia swallowed every word as
if the incidents of a wonderful fairy tale were actually passing before
her eyes. As to Ulita, she as an erstwhile participant in most of it,
only made smacking sounds with the corners of her lips.
Ulita also brightened up and felt more comfortable than she had for
a long time. Hers was a restless life. Even in childhood she had
burned with servile ambitions. Sleeping and waking, she would
dream about gaining favor in her master's eyes and getting the
whiphand over those in her own station in life. But her dreams never
came true. As soon as she set foot on the rung higher up, she would
be tugged back and plunged into the inferno by an unseen,
mysterious power. She possessed in perfection the qualities of an all-
round servant of the gentlefolk. She was venomous, evil-tongued
and always ready for treachery, but also slavishly ready to go
anywhere and do anything that neutralized her viciousness. In
former days, when it was necessary to follow up an event in the
maid servants' room, or settle any dubious affair, Arina Petrovna had
gladly made use of her services, though she had never appreciated
them and had not admitted her to any office of trust. Ulita would
then make loud complaints, and sting with her tongue, but no one
paid attention to her grumblings, for she was well known as a
malevolent woman, ready to curse herself and others to eternal
damnation, but the next moment at a mere wink willing to come
running and sit up on her hind legs prepared to do her master's
bidding.
And so she had been knocked about, always trying to get
somewhere and never getting there, till the abolition of serfdom put
an end to her slavish ambitions.
One event in Ulita's youth had kindled in her great hopes. Porfiry
Vladimirych, on one of his visits to Golovliovo, had become intimate
with her, and, as tradition had it, had even had a child by her. That
had brought down upon him the wrath of Arina Petrovna. It is
uncertain whether the relationship had been kept up on his
subsequent visits; at any rate, when Yudushka decided to establish
himself permanently at Golovliovo, Ulita's hopes had been shattered
grievously. Immediately after his arrival she came to him with a heap
of gossip, in which Arina Petrovna was accused of all sorts of fraud.
The master listened very affably to her gossip, but gave Ulita a cold
look, evidently failing to remember her former "good services."
Offended and deceived in her hopes, Ulita transferred herself to
Dubrovino, where Pavel Vladimirych, because of his hatred for his
dear brother Porfiry Vladimirych, received her gladly and even made
her his housekeeper. Here for a long time her condition seemed to
improve. Pavel Vladimirych would sit in the entresol and sip one
glass of vodka after another, and she would run busily from
storeroom to cellar, clanging a bunch of keys, and rattling her
tongue. She had even quarrelled with Arina Petrovna, whom the sly
wench nearly drove to her grave.
But Ulita loved treachery too well to be content with the peace and
quiet that had come with her "good living." That was when Pavel
Vladimirych had become so addicted to drink that his end could
readily be foreseen. Porfiry Vladimirych was alive to Ulita's priceless
value at this juncture, and he snapped his fingers again and
summoned her. He ordered her never for a moment to leave his
prey, not to contradict Pavel in anything, not even in his hatred of
his brother Porfiry, and by all means to eliminate the interference of
Arina Petrovna. This had been one of those domestic crimes which
Yudushka had a gift of perpetrating without previous deliberation,
spontaneously, and as a matter of course. Needless to say, Ulita
carried out his orders most faithfully. Pavel Vladimirych never ceased
to hate his brother, and the more he hated him, the more he drank
his vodka, and the less capable he became of heeding the remarks
and advice of Arina Petrovna as to "making provisions." Every
moment of the dying man, every word uttered were at once
reported to Golovliovo, so that Yudushka, equipped with a full
knowledge of the facts, could determine the exact moment he
should have to leave his ambush and step in as master of the
situation that he had created. And so he had! He had come to
Dubrovino at the very moment that he could get the estate for the
asking. Porfiry Vladimirych had rewarded Ulita's services by making
her a gift of cloth for a woolen dress, but he never admitted her
close to him.
Again Ulita had been plunged from the heights of grandeur into the
depths of inferno. It seemed to be her last fall. No one would snap
his fingers again and summon her for service. As a sign of special
favor and in consideration of her "nursing dear brother in his last
days," she had been allotted a nook in the house where all the
deserving old servants, who had remained after the abolition of
serfdom, had found shelter. Here Ulita had become completely
cowed, and when Porfiry Vladimirych made his choice of Yevpraksia,
she not only had not shown any obstinacy, but had even been first
to come to do homage to the master's love and had kissed her
shoulder.
And now, when she had given herself up as forgotten and
abandoned, she struck luck once more in Yevpraksia's pregnancy. It
was suddenly recalled that somewhere in the servants' room there
was a handy person. Somebody snapped her fingers and summoned
Ulita. True, it was not the master who had snapped his fingers. But
that he offered no obstacles was in itself sufficient grace. Ulita
celebrated her entry into the Golovliovo manor by taking the
samovar from Yevpraksia's hands. Bending sidewise a bit, with the
weight of it, she walked smartly into the dining-room, where Porfiry
Vladimirych was already seated. The master said not a word. He
even smiled, she thought, when upon another occasion, as she was
bringing in the samovar, she shouted from a distance, "Step to one
side, master, or I'll scald you."
When Ulita answered the summons to the family council she made
wry faces at first and refused to be seated. But when Arina Petrovna
shouted at her in a kindly way, "Sit down,—will you? What's the use
of your tricks? God made us all equal—be seated." Ulita sat down
and kept silence a while. Very shortly, however, her tongue
unloosened.
She, too, had her reminiscences. Her memory was stuffed with filth
from the days of her serfdom. Beside the carrying out of delicate
commissions like dogging the amorous doings of the maids' room,
Ulita had also held the office of leech and apothecary in the
Golovliovo manor. It was she who made all the injections, and
applied the cupping-glasses and mustard plasters. She had given
even the old master, Vladimir Mikhailych and Arina Petrovna
injections, and the young master, too—every one of them. She
retained the most grateful memories, and now there was a
boundless field for all her reminiscences.
A new mysterious life animated the Golovliovo manor. Arina Petrovna
would come over from Pogorelka every now and then to pay her
"good son" a visit and supervise preparations that as yet were given
no name. After the evening, the three women would go into
Yevpraksia's room, would eat some homemade jam, play fool, and,
till late into the night, would revel in reminiscences that would often
make the heroine of the occasion blush. The least incident, the
smallest trifle, served as a pretext for endless narrations. Yevpraksia
brought some raspberry jam, and Arina Petrovna began a story that
when she was carrying her daughter Sonya she could not stand even
the smell of raspberries.
"No sooner did a raspberry come into the house than I began to yell
at the top of my voice, 'Out, out with that damned thing!' After my
confinement it was all right again; I liked raspberries again."
Yevpraksia brought some caviar—and Arina Petrovna had an incident
to recall in connection with caviar, too.
"A really wonderful thing happened to me in connection with caviar.
It was a month or two after I was married and suddenly I was
seized with such a strong desire for caviar that I simply had to have
it at any cost. I would sneak into the cellar and eat as much as I
could. And once I said to my husband, 'Vladimir Mikhailych, why is it
that I eat caviar all the time?' He smiled at me, you know, and said,
'My dear, it is because you are pregnant.' And surely enough, just
nine months afterward I gave birth to Simple Simon."
But Porfiry Vladimirych continued to be noncommittal, never once
admitting that he had anything to do with Yevpraksia's condition.
Quite naturally this attitude of his embarrassed the women and
dampened their effusions in his presence, so that he came to be
completely abandoned. They chased him without ceremony from
Yevpraksia's room when he came in the evening to rest up and have
a chat.
"Be gone, you fine fellow!" Arina Petrovna said gaily. "You did your
part. Now it's none of your business any more, it's the women's
business. It's our turn now."
Yudushka took himself off in all meekness. Though not neglecting to
reproach his mother dear for being unkind to him, he rejoiced
inwardly that she was taking so much interest in the embarrassing
affair, and that he was left alone. If not for his mother's
participation, God knows what he would have had to undergo in
order to hush up the nasty affair, the very thought of which made
him spit out in disgust. Now, thanks to the experience of Arina
Petrovna and the skill of Ulita, he hoped the "trouble" would pass
without gaining publicity, and he himself, perhaps, would learn of the
results after all was over.
CHAPTER II
CHAPTER III
The whole of the next day Porfiry Vladimirych remained in his study,
praying to God for guidance. On the third day he emerged for
morning tea, not in his dressing gown, as usual, but in full holiday
attire, the way he always dressed when he intended to transact
important business. His face was pale, but radiated inner serenity; a
benign smile played upon his lips; his eyes looked kindly and all-
forgiving. The tip of his nose was slightly red with elation.
He drank his three glasses of tea in silence, and between gulps
moved his lips, folded his hands, and looked at the ikon as if, in spite
of yesterday's vigil, he still expected speedy aid and intercession
from it. Finally he sent for Ulita, and while waiting for her, kneeled
again before the ikon, that he might once more strengthen himself
by communion with God, and also that Ulita might see plainly that
what was about to happen was not his doing, but the work of God.
Ulita, however, as soon as she glanced at Yudushka, perceived there
was treachery in the depth of his soul.
"Well, now I have prayed to God," began Porfiry Vladimirych, and in
token of obedience to His holy will, he lowered his head and spread
his arms.
"That's fine," answered Ulita, but her voice expressed such deep
comprehension that Yudushka involuntarily raised his eyes.
She stood before him in her usual pose, one hand upon her breast,
the other supporting her chin. But her face sparkled with suppressed
laughter. Yudushka shook his head in sign of Christian reproach.
"I suppose God bestowed His grace upon you," continued Ulita,
unperturbed by his gesture of warning.
"You always blaspheme," Yudushka blustered. "How many times
have I warned you with kindness, and you are the same as ever.
Yours is an evil tongue, a malicious tongue."
"It seems to me I haven't said anything. Generally when people have
prayed to God, it means that God's grace is visited upon them."
"That's just it—'it seems!' But why do you prate about all that
'seems' to you? Why don't you learn how to hold your tongue when
necessary? I am talking business and she—'it seems to me!'"
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