Answer:
the answer is <em>XY = 24 units</em>.
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 = ?
<u>Solution:</u>
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  . It is a right angled triangle.
. 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  :
:
According to pythagorean theorem:

Hence, the answer is <em>XY = 24 units</em>.