+564 Okay. So I solved this question, but I'm not sure its correct.
It is a two-part question and goes like this:
a) Determine $$\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \frac{(5+h)^{-1} -5^{-1}}{h}$$
b) Interpret the answer using the word "slope", and without the use of the word "limit"
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For the first part of the question I simplified the equation and direct substituted the zero, thus getting 0 as an answer.
For the second part I said, "The slope at the function at x=5 is indeterminate."
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If you need me to, I can scan in the paper I did the work on, to see how I solved the problem. Is what I did correct or complete nonsense?
+118687 Are you sure that the question is correct?
$$\\\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \frac{(5+h)^{-1} -5^{-1}}{h}\\\\
=\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \frac{\frac{1}{5+h}-\frac{1}{5}}{h}\\\\
=\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \left(\frac{5}{5(5+h)}-\frac{5+h}{5(5+h)}\right)\div h\\\\
=\lim_{h\rightarrow0} \left(\frac{-h}{5(5+h)}}\right)\times \frac{1}{h}\\\\
=\lim_{h\rightarrow0}\; \frac{-1}{5(5+h)}}\\\\
=\frac{-1}{5(5+0)}}\\\\
=\frac{-1}{25}}\\\\$$
$$The gradient of $ y=\frac{1}{x} $ at $ x=5 $ is $ \frac{-1}{25}$$
+564 Thanks for answering Melody. Yes, the question is written exactly like how it is on the paper. I just texted someone in my class. We think that it is just a bullsh#$ question.... -_-
What do you think? Is this a trick question?
+564 Oh okay! Thanks so much Melody! I was sure the professor was pulling my leg, he did it once before lol.
Also what is gradient? Is that another word for function?
+118687 Gradient is rise over run the same as when you talk about the gradient of a line.
The gradient of a curve is really the gradient of the tangent to the curve at a given point.
A tangent is a line that just touches the curve. :)
+118687 Dragon, please only comment when you can be helpful. You know chilledz was not talking to you and that time you had nothing helpful to say!
Your gradient post was okay, Chilledz might have found that helpful. 
Yes, it is the slope OF the tangent line at x=5. 
+118687 This site might help
http://www.teacherschoice.com.au/first_principles.htm
I am trying to find an interactive site or calculator to demonstrate this - I am sure I have seen one before.
But I can't find it. 
Take a look.
