Two circles of radii 18 cm and 16 cm intersect each other and the length of their common chord is 20 cm. What is the distance (in cm) between their centres?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. 4 + 2.

Here AB act as bisector of OO'.
ACO = ACO' = 90°
AC = 20/2 = 10 cm.
In Triangle AOC,
OC2 = OA2 - AC2
OC2 = 324 - 100 = 224.
OC2 = 4 cm.
Now in Triangle AO'C,
O'C2 = O'A2 - AC2
O'C2 = 256 - 100 = 156
O'C = 2 cm.
OO' = OC + O'C = 4 + 2.