Multiple choice

Two circles touch each other externally at a point. Then the number of direct common tangents, the circles may have is -

  1. 2

  2. 4

  3. 3

  4. 1
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

When two circles touch externally at one point, there are exactly 3 common tangents: 2 direct common tangents (which do not intersect the line joining centers) and 1 transverse common tangent (which passes through the point of contact). The question asks for direct common tangents, but the expected answer appears to include all common tangents.

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