Difference Between Intermediate Value Theorem and Squeeze Theorem for JEE Main 2025

To explain intermediate value theorem and squeeze theorem: The intermediate value theorem states that if a continuous function takes on two values at the endpoints of an interval, then it must also take on every value between those two endpoints within that interval. This theorem guarantees the existence of a solution or root to an equation within a given interval.

On the other hand, the squeeze theorem provides a method to evaluate the limit of a function by comparing it to two other functions that bound it. It states that if two bounding functions approach the same limit as they converge to a point, then the function of interest also approaches that same limit at that point.

Defining Intermediate Value Theorem 

The intermediate value theorem states that if a function is continuous on a closed interval, and takes on two different values at the endpoints of that interval, then it must also take on every value in between. In simpler terms, if you have a continuous function that starts at one value and ends at another, it must pass through every value in between at some point within that interval. Some characteristics of IVT are:

• Continuity: The IVT applies to functions that are continuous on a closed interval [a, b]. Continuity ensures that there are no abrupt jumps or holes in the function within the interval.

• Two distinct values: The IVT requires that the function takes on two distinct values, f(a) and f(b), at the endpoints of the interval [a, b]. These values establish a range within which intermediate values can be found.

• Intermediate values: The IVT guarantees the existence of at least one value c in the open interval (a, b) where the function takes on any intermediate value between f(a) and f(b). This means the function "connects" the endpoints, passing through every value in between.

• No requirement for differentiability: The IVT does not require the function to be differentiable. It solely relies on the continuity of the function on the interval.

• Application in root-finding: The IVT is commonly used to prove the existence of roots or solutions for equations within a given interval. It provides a powerful tool for locating where a function crosses the x-axis.

Defining Squeeze Theorem

The squeeze theorem, also known as the sandwich theorem, states that if two functions, g(x) and h(x), "squeeze" a third function, f(x), between them for all values of x in a neighborhood of a certain point (except possibly at that point), and both g(x) and h(x) approach the same limit as x approaches that point, then f(x) also approaches that same limit. In other words, the squeeze theorem provides a method to determine the limit of a function by comparing it to two other functions that act as upper and lower bounds. Some characteristics of squeeze theorem are:

• Limit equality: The squeeze theorem states that if both f(x) and h(x) have the same limit as x approaches a, then g(x) also has the same limit as x approaches a.

• Bounding: The squeeze theorem "squeezes" or bounds the function g(x) between f(x) and h(x). It provides an upper and lower bound for the function, which helps determine its limit.

• No requirement for equality: The functions f(x) and h(x) do not have to be equal to each other or to g(x). The only requirement is that they have the same limit as x approaches a.

• Convergence: The squeeze theorem is used to establish the limit of a function by utilizing the convergence of the bounding functions. If f(x) and h(x) both converge to a limit, then g(x) is guaranteed to converge to the same limit.

• Widely applicable: The squeeze theorem is a versatile tool in calculus and can be applied to various functions and scenarios to determine their limits.

Intermediate Value Theorem and Squeeze Theorem Differences

These differences highlight the distinct purposes, conditions, and representations of the IVT and the Squeeze Theorem, providing a clearer understanding of their respective roles in calculus. 

Summary 

The characteristics of intermediate value theorem and squeeze theorem highlight their differences. The Intermediate Value Theorem states that if a continuous function takes on two distinct values between two points, then it must also take on every value between those two points. In other words, it guarantees the existence of a root or zero within the interval. On the other hand, the Squeeze Theorem focuses on bounding a function between two other functions that converge to the same limit. It allows us to determine the limit of a function by considering the limits of two "squeezing" functions. While both theorems deal with continuous functions, the Intermediate Value Theorem is concerned with the existence of a value, while the Squeeze Theorem helps in evaluating the limit of a function.