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### Baby Circle

A small circle fits between two touching circles so that all three circles touch each other and have a common tangent? What is the exact radius of the smallest circle?

### Pericut

Two semicircle sit on the diameter of a semicircle centre O of twice their radius. Lines through O divide the perimeter into two parts. What can you say about the lengths of these two parts?

### Kissing

Two perpendicular lines are tangential to two identical circles that touch. What is the largest circle that can be placed in between the two lines and the two circles and how would you construct it?

# Circles in Circles

##### Stage: 5 Challenge Level:

Take three unit circles, each touching the other two. Construct three circles $C_1$, $C_2$ and $C_3$, with radii $r_1$, $r_2$ and $r_3$, respectively, as in the figure below. The circles that are tangent to all three unit circles are $C_1$ and $C_3$, with $C_1$ the smaller of these. The circle through the three points of tangency of the unit circles is $C_2$. Find the radii $r_1$, $r_2$ and $r_3$, and show that $r_1r_3=r_2^2$.

The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice. More information on many of our other activities can be found here.
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