If two circles of radii 28 cm and 18 cm touch each other externally, then the length of a common tangent is _________. [Give your answer correct to 2 decimal places.]

40.90 cm 42.00 cm 44.90 cm 44.12 cm

44.90 cm

Length of direct common tangent  = \(\sqrt {d² - ( R - r )² }\) = \(\sqrt {46² - ( 28 - 18 )² }\) = \(\sqrt {2116 - 100 }\) = \(\sqrt {2016 }\) = 44.899 cm = 44.90 cm