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There are nonzero natural numbers ($\geq 1$) $a,b,c,d$.

$c$ is fixed, and prime factorization of $c$ is available. The prime factorization of $c$ always have the same nonzero exponent - that is $2^z3^z5^z...$ where $z$ is the exponent. And

$ab=cd=e$

We define another nonzero natural number $k = \frac{c}{p^z}$ where $p$ is some prime factor of $c$.

The question is, what would be a way to minimize $|a-b|$ while $a+b$ is multiples of $k$? I wish to find the method for every possible number of prime factors in $c$.

(If $z=1$ and $c$'s prime factors being all prime numbers from 2 to some number makes cases much easier, that's also fine.)

Difference is nonzero, and $a,b,d$ can be set freely as long as they satisfy constraints.

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    I am working through some "joke" assignments... That's why. Haha. That's why it seems bizarre - as it is part of my attempts trying to solve a problem. May be flawed, but just trying. Isn't it better to try one's own approach? :)2012-11-03

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