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Answer: (C) 3
Explanation
When two circles touch each other externally, the distance between their centers is exactly equal to the sum of their radii, denoted as d = r₁ + r₂. In this specific geometric configuration, there are exactly three common tangents that can be drawn. Two of these are external common tangents, which lie on opposite sides of the circles and do not intersect the line segment connecting the centers between the circles. The third is a single internal common tangent that passes through the unique point of contact where the two circles meet. This internal tangent is perpendicular to the line joining the centers of the circles at the point of tangency. Thus, the total number of common tangents is three.