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Mathematics — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [1]
Maximum number of common tangents that can be drawn to two circles intersecting at two distinct points is :
  1. A $4$
  2. B $3$
  3. C $2$
  4. D $1$
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2024 30/3/1 Q9
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 10:22 · grounding rag
Model Answer

Option C: 2

When two circles intersect at two distinct points, only 2 common tangents (both external) can be drawn; no internal tangent is possible as the circles overlap.

Explanation

When two circles intersect at two points, they partially overlap. Internal (transverse) common tangents cannot be drawn because the circles cross each other. Only the 2 external common tangents exist. Remember: 4 tangents → circles external to each other; 3 → externally touching; 2 → intersecting; 1 → internally touching; 0 → one inside the other.

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