Two circles of radii 9 cm and 4 cm, respectively, touch each other externally at point A. PQ is the direct common tangent of those two circles of centres O and O', respectively. The length of PQ is equal to:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. 12 cm.
Both circles touch externally, distance between the centres, OO' = (9 + 4) = 13 cm
Direct common tangent, PQ =
⇒ PQ =
⇒ PQ =
⇒ PQ =
⇒ PQ = 12 cm