Two circles with radii 8 cm and 2 cm are separated by a distance of 13 cm between their centers. From the center of the smaller circle, a tangent is drawn to the larger circle. What is the length of this tangent segment?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Given:
Radius of the larger circle = 8 cm
Radius of the smaller circle = 2 cm
Distance between the centers = 13 cm
By the formula:
Tangent segment = √(d² − r²)
Tangent segment = √(13² − 8²)
Tangent segment = √(169 − 64)
Tangent segment = √105