Question

When two circles do not intersect and do not touch each other, how many common tangents can be drawn?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 1

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 4

When two circles do not intersect and do not touch each other, 4 common tangents can be drawn.

These consist of:

• 2 Direct (External) Tangents: Tangents that touch the same side of both circles.

• 2 Transverse (Internal) Tangents: Tangents that pass through the space between the two circles,crossing each other at a point on the line of centers.