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the question asks:

Find $f '(a)$, $f(x) = \frac{x^2 + 1}{x - 5}$

$f'(a)=$ [answer box here]

I understand that $f'(a)$ is the derivative, but i don't understand what the derivative is. Or how to solve this. I am used to finding a tangent slope with two points. This one doesn't have that. So i don't understand how i can use the definition to solve this. Thanks,

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    Are you used to finding the tangent slope when the two points get really close? The quotient rule is easier than doing it from scratch (by calculating the limit), but if you don't have the quotient rule handy you can go through all the algebra with the limit. Do you know which method to find the derivative you're expected to use (quotient rule or limit or something else)?2011-02-01

3 Answers 3