The distance between the centres of the two circles, with radii 3 cm and 2 cm, respectively, is 13 cm. The length (in cm) of a transverse common tangent is:

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SSC CPO 2024 Official Paper-I (Held On: 29 Jun, 2024 Shift 1)
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  1. 18 cm
  2. 9 cm
  3. 16 cm
  4. 12 cm

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : 12 cm
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Detailed Solution

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Given:

The distance between the centers of the two circles, with radii 3 cm and 2 cm, respectively, is 13 cm.

Formula Used:

Length of transverse common tangent = \( \sqrt{d^2 - (r_1 + r_2)^2} \)

Where,

d = distance between the centres of the two circles

r1 = radius of the first circle

r2 = radius of the second circle

Calculation:

d = 13 cm

r1 = 3 cm

r2 = 2 cm

⇒ Length of transverse common tangent = \( \sqrt{13^2 - (3 + 2)^2 } \)

⇒ Length of transverse common tangent = \( \sqrt{169 - 25} \)

⇒ Length of transverse common tangent = \( \sqrt{144} \)

⇒ Length of transverse common tangent = 12 cm

∴ The correct answer is option (4).

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