document.write( "Question 1161529: Two circles with centres X and Y intersect at A and B if the radii of the circles are 20cm and 15cm and if AB=24cm, find the distance between the centres. \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #785113 by ikleyn(52790) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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document.write( "(1)  Connect the centers X and Y by the segment XY.\r\n" );
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document.write( "     Let C be the intersection point of segments XY and AB.\r\n" );
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document.write( "     Notice that AC = BC = half of AB = 24/2 = 12 cm\r\n" );
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document.write( "(2)  Then XAC is the right triangle.\r\n" );
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document.write( "     Its leg XC is   =  =  = 16 cm.\r\n" );
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document.write( "(3)  Similarly, YAC is the right triangle.\r\n" );
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document.write( "     Its leg YC is   =  =  = 9 cm.\r\n" );
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document.write( "(4)  Now the length of the segment  XY  is 16+9 = 25 cm.    \r\n" );
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document.write( "ANSWER.  The distance between the centers is 25 cm.\r\n" );
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