Multiple choice

A circle is entirely in another circle. It is possible to draw

  1. only one common tangent

  2. two common tangents

  3. no common tangent

  4. infinite number of tangents

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
AI explanation

When one circle lies entirely inside another without touching, any straight line drawn tangent to the inner circle will intersect the area of the outer circle at two points rather than touching its boundary. Therefore, it is geometrically impossible to construct a line that touches both the inner and outer circles simultaneously without crossing the larger circle. This condition means zero common tangents can be drawn.