Q.The radii of two circles are 4 cm and 3 cm respectively, and the distance between their centers is 13 cm. Find the length of a direct common tangent between the two circles.

Distance between the centers of the two circles \((D) = 13\) cm Radii of the circles: \((r_1) = 8\) cm, \((r_2) = 3\) cm ∴ Length of the direct common tangent \[ = \sqrt{D^2 - (r_1 - r_2)^2} \text{ cm} \] \[ = \sqrt{13^2 - (8 - 3)^2} \text{ cm} \] \[ = \sqrt{169 - 25} \text{ cm} \] \[ = \sqrt{144} \text{ cm} \] \[ = 12 \text{ cm} \] ∴ The length of a direct common tangent between the two circles is 12 cm.
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