MHB An almost elementary differentiation problem....

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The discussion focuses on expressing the second derivative of the Eta function at x=4 in terms of the Zeta function at the same point. The Eta function is defined as an alternating series, while the Zeta function is a standard infinite series. Participants explore the relationship between these two functions, particularly how differentiation affects their values. The problem emphasizes the need for a clear mathematical connection between the derivatives of the Eta function and the Zeta function. Ultimately, the goal is to derive a formula that links these two important mathematical concepts.
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Let $$\zeta(x)$$ be the Zeta function (where, for convenience, $$x$$ is assumed to be $$> 1$$).

$$\zeta(x) = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{k^x}$$Similarly, define the Eta function (alternating Zeta function) by the following series - where again, in this case, we assume $$x > 1$$:$$\eta(x) = \sum_{k=1}^{\infty}\frac{(-1)^{k+1}}{k^x}$$
Problem:Express the second derivative of the Eta function - at $$x=4$$ - in terms of the Zeta function (differentiated or otherwise), at $$x=4$$.
 
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Isn't it just a matter of applying the product rule on $ \displaystyle \displaystyle \eta(x) = \left(1-2^{1-x}\right) \zeta(x)$ twice?
 
Prometheus said:
Isn't it just a matter of applying the product rule on $ \displaystyle \displaystyle \eta(x) = \left(1-2^{1-x}\right) \zeta(x)$ twice?

Thanks for taking part, Prometheus! :D

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Yes, you're absolutely correct. The idea of the problem was to, potentially, encourage people who're less familiar with the functional relation you cited to develop it for themselves, then differentiate it.
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

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