Answer:
the answer is XY = 24 units.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given:
XY is tangent to the circles with center P and O respectively.
OX=16 units
PY=6 units
OP=26 units
To find:
Side XY = ?
Solution:
As per given statement, the diagram of two circles and their tangent is shown in the diagram.
We need to do one construction here,
Draw a line parallel to tangent XY from P towards OX such that it meets OX at A .
Now, let us consider triangle [tex]\triangle OAP[/tex]. It is a right angled triangle.
With sides Hypotenuse, OP = 26 units
Perpendicular, OA = 16 -6 = 10 units
Base AP is equal to XY.
If we find the value of Base AP, the value of XY is calculated automatically.
Let us use pythagorean theorem in [tex]\triangle OAP[/tex]:
According to pythagorean theorem:
[tex]\text{Hypotenuse}^{2} = \text{Base}^{2} + \text{Perpendicular}^{2}\\\Rightarrow OP^{2} = AP^{2} + OA^{2} \\\Rightarrow 26^2=XY^2+10^2\\\Rightarrow XY^2 = 676- 100\\\Rightarrow XY = \sqrt{576}\\\Rightarrow XY = 24\ units[/tex]
Hence, the answer is XY = 24 units.
