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Analysis of two circles in circles

Question

There are two circles whose equations are x2+y2=9

and x2+y28x6y+n2=0, nZ  having exactly two common 

tangents. The number of possible values of n, is 

Moderate
Solution

The coordinates of the centres and radii of the

circles are:

Centres:  C1(0,0) C2(4,3)

Radii   r1=3 r2=25n2,5<n<5

Given circles will have exactly two common tangents, if 

     r1r2<C1C2<r1+r2325n2<5<3+25n2

Clearly, 325n2<5  is true for all n(5,5)

Now, 

          5<3+25n2 2<25n2

 4<25n2 n221<0 21<n<21n=±4,±3,±2,±1,0.

Hence, n can take 9 integral values.



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How many common tangents can be drawn to the following circles x2+y2=6x and x2+y2+6x+2y+1=0?


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