If C1 and C2 are circles whose equations are x2+y2−20x+64=0 and x2+y2+30x+144=0, then the length of the shortest line segment PQ that is tangent to C1 at P and to C2 at Q is
A
15 units
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B
18 units
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C
20 units
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D
24 units
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Solution
The correct option is C20 units Given circles are x2+y2−20x+64=0 and x2+y2+30x+144=0 The centre and radius are C1=(10,0),r1=6C2=(−15,0),r2=9 C1C2=d=25
The transverse common tangent is the shortest common tangent, so the required length =√d2−(r1+r2)2=√(25)2−(9+6)2=√400=20 units