Calculus 1 - Limits

Worksheet 10 – The Squeeze

Theorem

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Calculus 1 - Limits - Worksheet 10 – The Squeeze Theorem

1. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

1
lim 𝑥 2 sin
𝑥→0 𝑥

2. Evaluate lim 𝑓(𝑥) using the Squeeze Theorem given that

𝑥→1

5 ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2

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3. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
7
lim 𝑥 4 sin
𝑥→0 𝑥

4. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

5
lim 𝑥 2 cos
𝑥→0 𝑥

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5. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

lim 𝑥 2 cos (10𝑥)

𝑥→0

6. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

5
lim 𝑥 2 sin +1
𝑥→0 𝑥

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7. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
3
lim 𝑥 2 sin + 2
𝑥→0 𝑥

8. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

9
lim 𝑥 2 sin −2
𝑥→0 𝑥

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9. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

lim 𝑥sin𝑥
𝑥→0

10. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

lim 𝑥 2 sin (12𝑥)

𝑥→0

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11. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
1
lim 𝑥 2 sin
𝑥→0 𝑥2

12. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

1
lim 𝑥 2 cos
𝑥→0 𝑥2

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Let’s switch gears and do three limits without the Squeeze Theorem. You might
have to use some imagination to do these problems.

13. Evaluate this limit.

1 − cos𝑥
lim
𝑥→0 𝑥

14. Evaluate this limit.

1 − cos𝑥
lim
𝑥→0 sin𝑥

15. Evaluate this limit.

sin (3𝑥)
lim
𝑥→0 sin (4𝑥)

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Answers - Calculus 1 - Limits - Worksheet 10 – The Squeeze Theorem

1. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

1
lim 𝑥 2 sin
𝑥→0 𝑥
Solution:
1
We know that −1 ≤ sin ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply this inequality by 𝑥 2
𝑥
without changing its correctness. Now we have
1
−𝑥 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 sin ≤ 𝑥2
𝑥
Take the limit of each part of the inequality.

1
lim ( − 𝑥 2 ) ≤ lim 𝑥 2 sin ≤ lim 𝑥 2
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0
Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 2 ) = 0 and lim ( 𝑥 2 ) = 0. Thus, we have
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

1
0 ≤ lim 𝑥 2 sin ≤0
𝑥→0 𝑥
1
So, we can conclude that lim 𝑥 2 sin 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→0

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shows the

same limit.

1
Answer: lim 𝑥 2 sin 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→0

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2. Evaluate lim 𝑓(𝑥) using the Squeeze Theorem given that
𝑥→1

5 ≤ 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 𝑥 2 + 6x − 2

Since we are given the inequality, take the limits.

lim 5 ≤ lim 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ lim ( 𝑥 2 + 6𝑥 − 2)

𝑥→1 𝑥→1 𝑥→1

5 ≤ lim 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ ( 12 + 6(1) − 2)

𝑥→1

5 ≤ lim 𝑓(𝑥) ≤ 5
𝑥→1

Therefore, we can conclude that lim 𝑓 (𝑥) = 5

𝑥→1

Answer: lim 𝑓(𝑥) = 5

𝑥→1

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3. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
7
lim 𝑥 4 sin
𝑥→0 𝑥
Solution:
7
We know that −1 ≤ sin 𝑥 ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply this inequality by 𝑥 4
without changing its correctness. Now we have
7
−𝑥 4 ≤ 𝑥 4 sin ≤ 𝑥4
𝑥
Take the limit of each part of the inequality.
7
lim ( − 𝑥 4 ) ≤ lim 𝑥 4 sin ≤ lim 𝑥 4
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0
Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 4 ) = 0 and lim ( 𝑥 4 ) = 0. Thus, we have
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

7
0 ≤ lim 𝑥 4 sin ≤0
𝑥→0 𝑥
7
So, we can conclude that lim 𝑥 4 sin 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→0

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 4 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 4 shows the

same limit.

7
Answer: lim 𝑥 4 sin = 0
𝑥→0 𝑥

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4. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

5
lim 𝑥 2 cos
𝑥→0 𝑥
Solution:
1
We know that −1 ≤ cos 𝑥 ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply this inequality by 𝑥 2
without changing its correctness. Now we have

5
−𝑥 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 cos ≤ 𝑥2
𝑥
Take the limit of each part of the inequality.

5
lim ( − 𝑥 2 ) ≤ lim 𝑥 2 cos ≤ lim 𝑥 2
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0
Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 2 ) = 0 and lim ( 𝑥 2 ) = 0. Thus, we have
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

5
0 ≤ lim 𝑥 2 cos ≤ 0
𝑥→0 𝑥
5
So, we can conclude that lim 𝑥 2 cos 𝑥 = 0
𝑥→0

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shows the

same limit.

5
Answer: lim 𝑥 2 cos = 0
𝑥→0 𝑥

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5. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

lim 𝑥 2 cos (10𝑥)

𝑥→0

Solution:
We know that −1 ≤ cos (10𝑥) ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply this inequality by 𝑥 2
without changing its correctness. Now we have

−𝑥 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 cos (10𝑥) ≤ 𝑥 2

Take the limit of each part of the inequality.

lim ( − 𝑥 2 ) ≤ lim 𝑥 2 cos (10𝑥) ≤ lim 𝑥 2

𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 2 ) = 0 and lim ( 𝑥 2 ) = 0. Thus, we have

𝑥→0 𝑥→0

0 ≤ lim 𝑥 2 cos (10𝑥) ≤ 0

𝑥→0

So, we can conclude that lim 𝑥 2 cos (10𝑥) = 0

𝑥→0

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shows the

same limit.

Answer: lim 𝑥 2 cos (10𝑥) = 0

𝑥→0

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6. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
5
lim 𝑥 2 sin +1
𝑥→0 𝑥
Solution:
5
We know that −1 ≤ sin ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply the inequality by 𝑥 2 and still
𝑥
preserve the inequality. Now we have
5
−𝑥 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 sin ≤ 𝑥 2 . Next, we can add 1 to all parts of the inequality according
𝑥
to the addition property of inequalities. This gives us
5
−𝑥 2 + 1 ≤ 𝑥 2 sin + 1 ≤ 𝑥 2 + 1
𝑥
The inequality matches this problem. Take the limit of each part of the inequality.
5
lim (−𝑥 2 + 1) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin + 1) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 + 1)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0

Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 2 + 1) = 1 and lim ( 𝑥 2 + 1) = 1. Thus, we have

𝑥→0 𝑥→0

5
1 ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin + 1) ≤ 1
𝑥→0 𝑥
5
So, we can conclude that lim (𝑥 2 sin 𝑥 + 1) = 1
𝑥→0

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 1 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 1 shows

the same limit.

5
Answer: lim (𝑥 2 sin + 1) = 1
𝑥→0 𝑥

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7. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
3
lim 𝑥 2 sin + 2
𝑥→0 𝑥
Solution:
3
We know that −1 ≤ sin ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply the inequality by 𝑥 2 and still
𝑥
preserve the inequality. Now we have
3
−𝑥 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 sin ≤ 𝑥 2 Next, we can add 2 to all parts of the inequality according to
𝑥
the addition property of inequalities. This gives us
5
−𝑥 2 + 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 sin + 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 + 2
𝑥
The inequality matches this problem. Take the limit of each part of the inequality.
3
lim (−𝑥 2 + 2) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin + 2) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 + 2)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0

Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 2 + 2) = 2 and lim ( 𝑥 2 + 2) = 2. Thus, we have

𝑥→0 𝑥→0

3
2 ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin + 2) ≤ 2
𝑥→0 𝑥
3
So, we can conclude that lim (𝑥 2 sin 𝑥 + 2) = 2
𝑥→0

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 + 2 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 + 2 shows

the same limit.

3
Answer: lim (𝑥 2 sin + 2) = 2
𝑥→0 𝑥

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8. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
9
lim 𝑥 2 sin −2
𝑥→0 𝑥
Solution:
9
We know that −1 ≤ sin ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply the inequality by 𝑥 2 and still
𝑥
preserve the inequality. Now we have
9
−𝑥 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 sin ≤ 𝑥 2 Next, we can subtract 2 from all parts of the inequality
𝑥
according to the subtraction property of inequalities. This gives us
9
−𝑥 2 − 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 sin − 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 − 2
𝑥
The inequality matches this problem. Take the limit of each part of the inequality.
9
lim (−𝑥 2 − 2) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin − 2) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 − 2)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0

Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 2 − 2) = −2 and lim ( 𝑥 2 − 2) = −2. Thus, we have

𝑥→0 𝑥→0

9
−2 ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin − 2) ≤ −2
𝑥→0 𝑥
9
So, we can conclude that lim (𝑥 2 sin 𝑥 − 2) = −2
𝑥→0

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 − 2 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 − 2 shows

the same limit.

9
Answer: lim (𝑥 2 sin − 2) = −2
𝑥→0 𝑥

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9. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
lim 𝑥sin𝑥
𝑥→0

Solution:
We know that −1 ≤ sin𝑥 ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply the inequality by the
absolute value of 𝑥 and still preserve the inequality. Now we have
−|𝑥| ≤ |𝑥|sin𝑥 ≤ |𝑥|
The inequality matches this problem, but the absolute value symbol is not
necessary in the center of the inequality. Take the limit of each part of the
inequality.
lim (−|𝑥|) ≤ lim (𝑥sin𝑥) ≤ lim (|𝑥|)
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Next, we know that lim (− |𝑥|) = 0 and lim ( |𝑥|) = 0. Thus, we have
𝑥→0 𝑥→0

0 ≤ lim (𝑥sin𝑥) ≤ 0
𝑥→0

So, we can conclude that lim (𝑥sin𝑥) = 0

𝑥→0

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −|𝑥| and 𝑦 = |𝑥| shows the
same limit.

Answer: lim (𝑥sin𝑥) = 0

𝑥→0

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10. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.

lim 𝑥 2 sin (12𝑥)

𝑥→0

Solution:
We know that −1 ≤ sin (12𝑥) ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply the inequality by 𝑥 2
and still preserve the inequality. Now we have

−𝑥 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 sin (12𝑥) ≤ 𝑥 2

Take the limit of each part of the inequality.

lim (−𝑥 2 ) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin (12𝑥)) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 )

𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥→0

Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 2 ) = 0 and lim ( 𝑥 2 ) = 0. Thus, we have

𝑥→0 𝑥→0

0 ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin (12𝑥)) ≤ 0

𝑥→0

So, we can conclude that lim (𝑥 2 sin (12𝑥)) = 0

𝑥→0

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shows the

same limit.

Answer: lim (𝑥 2 sin (12𝑥)) = 0

𝑥→0

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11. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
1
lim 𝑥 2 sin
𝑥→0 𝑥2
Solution:
1
We know that −1 ≤ sin ≤ 1. Next, we can multiply the inequality by 𝑥 2 and
𝑥2
still preserve the inequality. Now we have
1
−𝑥 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 sin 2
≤ 𝑥2
𝑥
Take the limit of each part of the inequality.
1
lim (−𝑥 2 ) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin 2
) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 )
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0

Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 2 ) = 0 and lim ( 𝑥 2 ) = 0. Thus, we have

𝑥→0 𝑥→0

1
0 ≤ lim (𝑥 2 sin )≤0
𝑥→0 𝑥2
1
So, we can conclude that lim (𝑥 2 sin )=0
𝑥→0 𝑥2

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shows the

same limit.

1
Answer: lim (𝑥 2 sin )=0
𝑥→0 𝑥2

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12. Evaluate this limit using the Squeeze Theorem.
1
lim 𝑥 2 cos
𝑥→0 𝑥2
Solution:
1
We know that −1 ≤ cos 𝑥2
≤ 1. Next, we can multiply the inequality by 𝑥 2 and
still preserve the inequality. Now we have
1
−𝑥 2 ≤ 𝑥 2 cos 2
≤ 𝑥2
𝑥
Take the limit of each part of the inequality.
1
lim (−𝑥 2 ) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 cos 2
) ≤ lim (𝑥 2 )
𝑥→0 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0

Next, we know that lim ( − 𝑥 2 ) = 0 and lim ( 𝑥 2 ) = 0. Thus, we have

𝑥→0 𝑥→0

1
0 ≤ lim (𝑥 2 cos )≤0
𝑥→0 𝑥2
1
So, we can conclude that lim (𝑥 2 cos )=0
𝑥→0 𝑥2

Graphically, the function squeezed between 𝑦 = −𝑥 2 and 𝑦 = 𝑥 2 shows the

same limit.

1
Answer: lim (𝑥 2 cos )=0
𝑥→0 𝑥2

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13. Evaluate this limit.
1 − cos𝑥
lim
𝑥→0 𝑥
Solution:
If we try to evaluate the limit using direct substitution we get an indeterminate
answer. Conjugate the numerator.

1 − cos𝑥 1 − cos𝑥 1 + cos𝑥 1 − cos2 𝑥

lim = lim ∙ = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥 1 + cos𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥 + 𝑥cos𝑥
Use the trig identity: sin2 𝑥 + cos2 𝑥 = 1 which means sin2 𝑥 = 1 − cos2 𝑥.

1 − cos2 𝑥 sin2 𝑥
lim = lim
𝑥→0 𝑥 + 𝑥cos𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥(1 + cos𝑥)

Split the limit into a product of two fractions and then into the product of two
limits.

sin2 𝑥 sin𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 sin𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥

lim = lim ∙ = lim ∙ lim
𝑥→0 𝑥(1 + cos𝑥) 𝑥→0 𝑥 1 + cos𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 1 + cos𝑥
sin𝑥
Remember from a video from the beginning of the Limit Series, lim = 1 so
𝑥→0 𝑥

sin𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥

lim ∙ lim = 1 ∙ lim
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 1 + cos𝑥 𝑥→0 1 + cos𝑥

Now, evaluate using direct substitution.

𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑥 𝑠𝑖𝑛0 0
lim = = =0
𝑥→0 1 + cos𝑥 1 + cos0 2

1−cos𝑥
Answer: lim 𝑥
=0
𝑥→0

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14. Evaluate this limit.
1 − cos𝑥
lim
𝑥→0 sin𝑥
Solution:
Split the limit into the limit of the product of two fractions.
1 − cos𝑥 1 1 − cos𝑥
lim = lim ∙
𝑥→0 sin𝑥 𝑥→0 sin𝑥 1
𝑥
Manipulate the fractions by multiplying both of them by 𝑥.

1 1 − cos𝑥 𝑥 𝑥(1 − cos𝑥)

lim ∙ = lim ∙
𝑥→0 sin𝑥 1 𝑥→0 𝑥sin𝑥 𝑥
Factor an 𝑥 from the denominator of the first fraction and from the numerator of
the second fraction. Then, cancel those 𝑥′s.

𝑥 𝑥 (1 − cos𝑥) 𝑥 (1 − cos𝑥)
lim ∙ ∙ = lim ∙
𝑥→0 𝑥 sin𝑥 𝑥 𝑥→0 sin𝑥 𝑥
sin𝑥
We already know that lim = 1 and in the last problem we proved that
𝑥→0 𝑥
1−cos𝑥 𝑥 (1−cos𝑥)
lim = 0. Therefore, lim sin𝑥 ∙ = 1 ∙ 0 = 0.
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑥

1−cos𝑥
Answer: lim =0
𝑥→0 sin𝑥

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15. Evaluate this limit.

sin (3𝑥)
lim
𝑥→0 sin (4𝑥)

Solution:
sin𝑥 sin𝑢
We will use the fact that lim = 1 so lim = 1.
𝑥→0 𝑥 𝑥→0 𝑢

Separate the limit into the limit of the product of two fractions and then modify
the fractions to match the above limits.

sin (3𝑥) sin (3𝑥) 1 3𝑥sin (3𝑥) 4𝑥

lim = lim ∙ = lim ∙
𝑥→0 sin (4𝑥) 𝑥→0 1 sin(4𝑥) 𝑥→0 3𝑥 4𝑥sin(4𝑥)

Factor out the 3𝑥 in the numerator of the first fraction and the 4𝑥 in the
denominator of the second fraction.

3𝑥 sin (3𝑥) 4𝑥
lim ∙ ∙
𝑥→0 4𝑥 3𝑥 sin(4𝑥)
𝑥 3
Cancel , factor out and rewrite the limit of the product as a product of two
𝑥 4
limits.

3𝑥 sin (3𝑥) 4𝑥 3 sin (3𝑥) 4𝑥

lim ∙ ∙ = lim ∙ lim
𝑥→0 4𝑥 3𝑥 sin(4𝑥) 4 𝑥→0 3𝑥 𝑥→0 sin(4𝑥 )

Evaluate the two limits based on our knowledge of those limits.

3 sin (3𝑥) 4𝑥 3 3
lim ∙ lim = ∙1∙1=
4 𝑥→0 3𝑥 𝑥→0 sin(4𝑥 ) 4 4

sin (3𝑥) 3
Answer: lim sin (4𝑥) = 4
𝑥→0

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