Question 1061647
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<U>Answer</U>. &nbsp;d = {{{sqrt((9.3-2.4)^2 + 26.5^2)}}} = {{{sqrt(6.9^2 + 26.5^2)}}} = 27.38 in &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(approximately).



See the figure in the lesson

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- <A HREF=>HOW TO construct a common exterior tangent line to two circles</A>

in this site.


The figures and the formula explain everything without words.



The Pythagorean theorem is used, as well as the property 


&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If a tangent line is drawn to the circle, then the radius of the circle to the tangent point is perpendicular to the tangent line".



O ! One more property is used: The two perpendiculars to a straight line are parallel.



Shortly, if you know basic elementary facts of Geometry, you will be able to reconstruct the solution (the arguments) in your mind.



Also, &nbsp;you have this free of charge online textbook on Geometry

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<A HREF=https://www.algebra.com/algebra/homework/Triangles/GEOMETRY-your-online-textbook.lesson>GEOMETRY - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK</A> 

in this site.


The referred lesson is the part of this textbook under the topic

"<U>Properties of circles, inscribed angles, chords, secants and tangents</U>".