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The squeeze theorem formally states that if $f,g$ and $h$ are real functions defined on an interval $I$ containing $c$ as a limit point and satisfy $g(x) \leq f(x) \leq h(x)$ for all $x \in I$ except possibly $c$, and furthermore, $\lim_{x \to c} g(x) = \lim_{x \to c} h(x) = L$, then $\lim_{x \to c} f(x) = L$. This is proven by choosing, for given $\epsilon$, the minimum of the two corresponding $\delta$s of $h$ and $g$ as the $\delta$ for $f$.

This statement, however, isn't as strong as can be. In particular, suppose $g$ and $h$, about every neighbourhood of $c$, "interchange" roles of being the lower and upper bounds of $f$. A concrete example would be $f(x) = 0$, $h(x) = x^2\sin\frac{1}{x}$ and $g = -h$ as $x \to 0$. I think that the conclusion of the squeeze theorem should be valid in this case regardless, because so long as we choose $\delta$ such that $g,h$ are within $\epsilon$ of $L$, $f$ will be within $\epsilon$ of $L$.

Essentially, I want to weaken the hypothesis so that rather than $\forall x \in I, c \neq x\left[g(x) \leq f(x) \leq h(x)\right]$, it states $\forall x \in I, c \neq x \left[g(x) \leq f(x) \leq h(x) \ \lor h(x) \leq f(x) \leq g(x)\right]$.

Questions: Is my reasoning correct? If not, what mistake am I making? If so, why is the stronger statement not more common in calculus/analysis texts?

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    $\begingroup$ I'm curious of when (or if) this would be necessary. I mean if the function is $f(x) = 0$ why not use $g(x) = x$ and $h(x) = -x$--why choose the oscillatory function--when would want to choose such functions? $\endgroup$
    – Jared
    Apr 23, 2016 at 3:34
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    $\begingroup$ Your weakened hypothesis is equivalent to $\min(g(x), h(x)) \leq f(x) \leq \max(g(x), h(x))$. So, define $m(x) = \min(g(x), h(x))$ and $M(x) = \max(g(x), h(x))$ and the hypothesis $m(x) \leq f(x) \leq M(x)$ applies. So, is your version really more general? $\endgroup$
    – user169852
    Apr 23, 2016 at 3:35
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    $\begingroup$ I agree with Bungo's argument, which is very elegant by the way. You could/should post your comment as an answer -- you would get my upvote at the very least. $\endgroup$ Apr 23, 2016 at 3:37
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    $\begingroup$ Your stronger version is correct. The argument for not stating it is that (i) it is more complicated and (ii) there may be a lack of useful applications. $\endgroup$ Apr 23, 2016 at 3:37

3 Answers 3

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Your weakened hypothesis is equivalent to $\min(g(x), h(x)) \leq f(x) \leq \max(g(x), h(x))$. So, define $m(x) = \min(g(x), h(x))$ and $M(x) = \max(g(x), h(x))$ and the hypothesis $m(x) \leq f(x) \leq M(x)$ applies. So, is your version really more general?

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There is really not more information to be gained. In the situation you describe, you can define new functions $g_1=\min\{g,h\}$, $h_1=\max\{g,h\}$ and use the regular squeeze theorem with $g_1\leq f\leq h_1$.

On a more practical point of view, in the vast majority of uses of the squeeze theorem the $g$ and $h$ are monotone.

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  • $\begingroup$ I don't know. What I do know is that a more complicated statement of the squeeze theorem does not bring clarity. $\endgroup$ Apr 23, 2016 at 5:02
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Your reasoning is right.

If, for all $x,$ either $g(x)\le f(x)\le h(x)$ or $h(x)\le f(x)\le g(x),$ then $$\min\{g(x),h(x)\}\le f(x)\le\max\{g(x),h(x)\}$$ for all $x.$ So all we have to do is show that, if $g(x)\to L$ and $h(x)\to L,$ then $\max\{g(x),h(x)\}\to L.$ (Of course it follows that $\min\{g(x),h(x)\}=-\max\{-g(x),-h(x)\}\to L$ as well.)

Observe that $$\max\{g(x),h(x)\}=\frac{g(x)+h(x)+|g(x)-h(x)|}2\to\frac{L+L+|L-L|}2=L.$$

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