Need Help Understanding Squeeze Law

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the Squeeze Theorem, a concept in calculus that involves limits. Participants are exploring its definition, proof, and application, particularly in the context of functions like g(x) = xsin(1/x) as x approaches 0.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the proof of the Squeeze Theorem and how it applies to specific functions. Questions are raised about the bounding functions and the conditions under which the theorem can be applied.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into the application of the theorem, suggesting specific bounding functions and discussing the limits involved. There is an ongoing exploration of when the Squeeze Theorem is appropriate to use, with no explicit consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the limitations of certain functions and the conditions necessary for applying the Squeeze Theorem, including the behavior of oscillating functions.

thennigar
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need someone to explain this law to me. i understand the fact that if a function exists between two other functions on a graph then it can be squeezed hence the "squeeze". What i don't understand is how it prooves this.
 
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The squeeze theorem I`m familiar with says that if:
[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow a}f(x)=b[/tex]
[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow a}g(x)=b[/tex]
and [itex]f(x)>h(x)>g(x)[/itex] for all x in a certain neighbourhood of a.
Then
[tex]\lim_{x \rightarrow a}h(x)=b[/tex]

The proof follows easily from the definition of a limit.
If [itex]|g(x)-g(a)|<\epsilon[/itex] and [itex]|f(x)-f(a)|<\epsilon[/itex],
what does that mean for h(x)?
 
ok. that makes sense. now how can you apply that to say g(x)=(xsin(1/x)) x cannot = 0.

would abs(x) be your two functions that squeezes g(x)? then if the limits of
-x and +x are the same then the limit g(x) must also be this?

and one last question, how do you know when to use this law?
 
its also callled the sandwich theorem lol
 
thennigar said:
ok. that makes sense. now how can you apply that to say g(x)=(xsin(1/x)) x cannot = 0.

would abs(x) be your two functions that squeezes g(x)? then if the limits of
-x and +x are the same then the limit g(x) must also be this?

and one last question, how do you know when to use this law?

Not sure what you mean exactly, but I think you have the right idea.
Anyway, don't use [itex]\pm|x|[/itex], since it doesn't bound your function.
Suppose you want to show that [itex]lim_{x<br /> \rightarrow 0}x^2\sin(1/x) =0[/itex]
Because [itex]-1\leq sin(1/x) \leq 1[/itex], we have [itex]-x^2\leq x^2sin(1/x) \leq x^2[/itex].
Then apply the squeeze theorem.

There are no rules for when to use it. But it's commonly used when there's an oscillating and bounded term like here.
 
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