## Problem Given two integer arrays `A` and `B`, find the pair `(a, b)` where `a` is from `A` and `b` is from `B` such that `|a - b|` is minimized. Return the pair and the difference. ```python def smallest_difference( A: list[int], B: list[int] ) -> tuple[int, int, int]: # (a, b, difference) pass ``` **Example:** ``` A = [1, 3, 15, 11, 2] B = [23, 127, 235, 19, 8] -> (11, 8, 3) # |11-8| = 3, smallest possible A = [-1, 5, 10, 20, 28, 3] B = [26, 134, 135, 15, 17] -> (28, 26, 2) ``` ## Round 1 - Coding Solve with a two-pointer approach after sorting both arrays. ## Follow-ups 1. What is the time complexity of the two-pointer approach vs. brute force? Why does sorting enable the two-pointer technique here? 2. If there are multiple pairs with the same minimum difference, how do you return all of them? 3. How would you solve this if elements are floating-point numbers (with precision concerns)? 4. Extend the problem: find the triplet `(a, b, c)` from three arrays minimizing `|a - b| + |b - c|`.

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Smallest Difference: Find the Pair of Elements from Two Arrays with Minimum Absolute Difference

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Problem Given two integer arrays A and B, find the pair (a, b) where a is from A and b is from B such that |a - b| is minimized. Return the pair and the difference. Example: Round 1 - Coding Solve with a two-pointer approach after sorting both arrays. Follow-ups What is the time complexity of the two-pointer approach vs. brute force? Why does sorting enable the two-pointer technique here? If there are multiple pairs with the same minimum difference, how do you return all of them? How would you s…

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This is a reported interview question from a rubrik interview during the phone round.

It covers the following topics: Two Pointers, Phone, Coding, Arrays, Onsite .

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Smallest Difference: Find the Pair of Elements from Two Arrays with Minimum Absolute Difference

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