Question

If two circles are touching externally how many common tangents do they have?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 3

When two circles touch externally, they have:

• 2 direct (external) common tangents — one on each side.

• 1 transverse (internal) common tangent — it passes through the point where the circles touch.

Therefore, the total number of common tangents is:

$2+1=\boxed{3}$