Two circles touch each other externally at any point C. PQ is the direct common tangent to both the circles touching the circles at point P and point Q. If the radii of the circles are 36 cm and 16 cm, respectively, then the length of PQ is:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. 48cm.
If two circles touch each other externally and a common tangent is passing, then the length of the common tangent (PQ) = √(4 × r1 × r2)
= √(4 × 36 × 16)
= 2 × 6 × 4
= 48 cm
Therefore, the length of PQ is 48 cm.