Multiple choice

If two circles touch externally, then number of common tangents is

  1. $2$
  2. $3$
  3. $1$
  4. $0$
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

When two circles touch externally, they have two direct common tangents and one transverse common tangent, totaling 3.

AI explanation

When two circles touch each other externally, they have exactly three common tangents. This consists of two direct common tangents that do not cross the line segment connecting the centers, and one transverse common tangent that passes directly through the single point where the circles touch. Therefore, the total number of common tangents is 3.