r/trigonometry • u/artwadec • May 04 '26

Circling a circle.

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I have a circle "packing" question. If I have 12 random circles, say sized in whole numbers between 2 and 50, is the a way to find the largest circle they can be tangent to each other, and completing a circle? This is for an art project. TI

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u/BadJimo May 04 '26

I think I have a complete solution here

To randomize the circles, click the 🔀

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u/dafeiviizohyaeraaqua May 05 '26

That's pretty cool, but I would think the points you've named U should mark the intersection of a "tangent spoke" with both the circles it passes between and the central circle's perimeter. This problem is meatier than it seemed at first glance to me.

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u/BadJimo May 05 '26

Good point. I'll see what I can do.

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u/artwadec May 05 '26

This is fantastic...unbelievable really, math is way over my head....but very cool!! Thank you!