Statement: If g(x) <= f(x) <= h(x) for all x near a (except possibly at a), and lim(x->a) g(x) = lim(x->a) h(x) = L, then lim(x->a) f(x) = L.
When to use: When the function involves an oscillatory part multiplied by a vanishing part. The classic pattern is * sin or * cos as x -> 0.
Strategy:
- Identify the bounded oscillatory part: -1 <= sin(anything) <= 1 or -1 <= cos(anything) <= 1
- Identify the vanishing part that approaches 0
- Multiply the inequality through by the vanishing part (careful with sign if it can be negative — use |vanishing part|)
- Both bounds go to 0, so by Squeeze Theorem, the function also goes to 0
Examples:
- lim(x->0) x * sin = 0 (bounded between -|x| and |x|)
- lim(x->0) * cos(1/) = 0 (bounded between - and )
- lim(x->infinity) sin = 0 (bounded between -1/x and 1/x)
JEE Application: Often appears in assertion-reasoning format or as a step within a larger problem. Also used to prove that lim(x->0) sin = 1 geometrically.