+577 If $a$ and $b$ are positive integers for which $ab - 3a + 4b = 131$, what is the minimal possible value of $|a - b|$?
+42 If we use SFFT to factor this expression, we get \((a+4)(b-3)=119\). Because 119 is 7*17, there are only limited cases. We are trying to get the smallest absolute value, meaning a=13 and b=10. Therefore, the minimal possible value of \(|a-b|\) is 3.
Feel free to tell me if I did anything wrong! :D
+42 If we use SFFT to factor this expression, we get \((a+4)(b-3)=119\). Because 119 is 7*17, there are only limited cases. We are trying to get the smallest absolute value, meaning a=13 and b=10. Therefore, the minimal possible value of \(|a-b|\) is 3.
Feel free to tell me if I did anything wrong! :D
