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MathsMediumClass 12

Squeeze Theorem

Limits & Continuity

9

JEE Qs

8%

Hard

60

min

Master the technique of finding appropriate bounding functions for oscillatory or complex expressions by utilizing fundamental inequalities and properties of functions.

🧮 Key Formulas

If g(x) <= f(x) <= h(x) for all x in some open interval containing c (except possibly at c itself), and lim (x->c) g(x) = L and lim (x->c) h(x) = L, then lim (x->c) f(x) = L.

✅ Key Points for JEE

  • 1The Squeeze Theorem is primarily used when direct evaluation or standard limit formulas are insufficient, especially for functions involving oscillatory terms like sin(x) or cos(x).
  • 2The core idea is to find two simpler functions, g(x) and h(x), that 'squeeze' the target function f(x) from below and above, respectively, and both approach the same limit L at a given point.
  • 3The most challenging part is often finding appropriate bounding functions (g(x) and h(x)) by using properties of inequalities and known bounds of functions (e.g., -1 <= sin(x) <= 1).
  • 4It's crucial that the limits of the bounding functions exist and are equal; if they are not, the theorem cannot be applied or the bounds are incorrect.
  • 5The theorem also applies to limits as x approaches infinity, provided the inequalities hold for sufficiently large x.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Incorrectly establishing the bounds for the function, especially when manipulating inequalities involving variables that can change sign (e.g., dividing by x without considering x>0 or x<0).
  • Forgetting to verify that both bounding functions (g(x) and h(x)) approach the *same* limit; if they approach different limits, the theorem doesn't apply.
  • Applying the theorem without ensuring the inequalities hold in the relevant interval around the limit point (or for sufficiently large/small x if approaching infinity).

NCERT Chapters

  • Class 11 Maths Ch 13: Limits and Derivatives
  • Class 12 Maths Ch 5: Continuity and Differentiability