Let S = 0, = 0 be two circles with

centres C1, C2 and D.T.C Transverse common

tangent
radii r1, r2 respectively.
P Q
2
i) If C1C2 > r1 + r2 then
.
each circle lies completely
outside the other circle.
No. of common tangents = 4
Transverse common
D.T.C tangent

The point of intersection of transverse common tangents of S = 0, = 0 is called internal

centre of similitude P. P divides in the ratio r1: r2. (m: n) Equation of T.C.T
T. is

( − )= ( − )
P= ,
The point of intersection of Direct common tangents of S = 0, = 0 is called External
centre of similitude Q. Q divides in the ratio r1: -r2. (-m:
m: n)
Q= , Equation of D.C.T is ( − )= ( − )

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 Common tangent

D.T.C

ii) If C1C2 = r1 + r2 then

Circle
Circles touch each other externally 2
.
Q
P
.

No. of common tangents = 3

D.T.C
P divides in the ratio r1: r2. (m: n)
Common
ommon tangents is − =
P= ,
The point of intersection of Direct common tangents of S = 0, = 0 is called External
centre of similitude Q. Q divides in the ratio r1: -r2. (-m:
m: n)
Q= ,
Equation of Direct common tangents is

( − )= ( − )

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 A
iii) If If |r1 - r2 | < (C1C2) < r1 + r2 then
Circles intersect each other 2
. Q
at two points at A and B.
.
P

No. of common tangents = 2 B

D.T.C

Equation of Direct common tangents is

( − )= ( − )

The point of intersection of Direct common tangents of S = 0, = 0 is called External

centre of similitude Q. Q divides in the ratio r1: -r2. (- m: n)
Q= ,

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iv) If If |r1 - r2 | = r1 + r2 then
Circles touch each other internally.

Q
No. of common tangents = 1 .

Common
ommon tangents is − =

The point of intersection of Direct common tangents of S = 0, = 0 is called External

centre of similitude Q. Q divides in the ratio r1: -r2. (-m:
m: n)
Q= ,

v) If C1C2 < | r1 - r2| then one circle lies completely inside the other circle.
No. of common tangents = 0.

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