Multiple choice

Two circles of radii 8 cm and 6 cm touch each other externally. The length of the direct common tangent is:

  1. $13.86 cm$
  2. $24 cm$
  3. $10.12 cm$
  4. $20 cm$
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A Correct answer
Explanation

For two circles with radii r1=8 and r2=6 touching externally, the direct common tangent length = 2√(r1×r2) = 2√(8×6) = 2√48 = 2×6.928 = 13.856 cm. This formula comes from the right triangle formed by the tangent line and lines to centers.

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