Limits & Continuity · Continuity & Theorems

Squeeze Theorem

g(x)f(x)h(x) and limxag(x)=limxah(x)=Llimxaf(x)=Lg(x) \leq f(x) \leq h(x) \text{ and } \lim_{x \to a} g(x) = \lim_{x \to a} h(x) = L \Rightarrow \lim_{x \to a} f(x) = L

If f(x) is squeezed between g(x) and h(x) near a, and g and h have the same limit L, then f also has limit L.

  • 2 worked examples
  • 18 in Limits & Continuity

Worked examples

Find lim(x→0) x² sin(1/x).
  1. We know -1 ≤ sin(1/x) ≤ 1 for all x ≠ 0
  2. Multiply by x²: -x² ≤ x² sin(1/x) ≤ x²
  3. lim(x→0) -x² = 0 and lim(x→0) x² = 0
  4. By Squeeze Theorem, lim(x→0) x² sin(1/x) = 0

Answer: 0

1 more worked examplePremium

Find lim(x→∞) sin(x)/x.

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Common questions

What is the Squeeze Theorem?

If f(x) is squeezed between g(x) and h(x) near a, and g and h have the same limit L, then f also has limit L. It is one of the limits & continuity formulas in the CalcRef reference.

How do you use the Squeeze Theorem?

Worked example. Find lim(x→0) x² sin(1/x). We know -1 ≤ sin(1/x) ≤ 1 for all x ≠ 0. Multiply by x²: -x² ≤ x² sin(1/x) ≤ x². lim(x→0) -x² = 0 and lim(x→0) x² = 0. By Squeeze Theorem, lim(x→0) x² sin(1/x) = 0. Answer: 0.

Practice

Quiz yourself on Limits & Continuity

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