Multiple choice

What is the maximum number of tangents that can be drawn to two given circles?

  1. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4
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D Correct answer
Explanation

For two circles, the maximum number of common tangents is 4 (two external and two internal).

AI explanation

When considering two given circles in a plane, the maximum number of common tangents is determined when the circles are completely separate from each other without intersecting. For two non-intersecting and non-touching circles, there are exactly two direct common tangents and two transverse common tangents. Summing these gives a total of 4 possible common tangents.

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