UPSKILL MATH PLUS
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Learn moreResult 5:
If two circles touch internally, the distance between their centres equals the difference in their radii.
Explanation:
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If two circles touch internally at a point B, then the distance OA is equal to the difference between the radii OB and AB.
\Rightarrow OA = OB - AB
Proof of the result:
Let the two circles with centres O and A intersect each other internally at point B.
Let the radius OB = r_{1} and AB = r_{2} and r_{1} > r_{2}.
Let the distance between the centres be d.
\Rightarrow OA = d
From the figure, we observe that OA = OB - AB.
\Rightarrow d = r_{1} - r_{2}
Example:
Two circle with radii 4 cm and 5 cm intersect at a point O internally. If so, find the distance between their centres.
Solution:
By the result, we know that:
Distance between the centres = Difference of the radii.
Thus, the distance between the centres = 5 cm - 4 cm
= 1 cm