To find one-sided limits, substitute x with a+h and analyze the limit as h approaches 0, considering the sign of h. For example, the limit of x^2 as x approaches 1 from both sides is 1, indicating that the one-sided limits are equal. In contrast, for a piecewise function like f(x) defined differently for x<1 and x>1, the one-sided limits can differ, leading to the conclusion that the overall limit does not exist. Additionally, when evaluating limits involving square roots, such as lim√(1-x) as x approaches 1 from the right, the limit is undefined, while the left-hand limit exists and equals 0. Understanding one-sided limits is crucial for determining the existence and value of overall limits.