The ratio of the radii of two concentric circles is $1:3$. If $\overline{AC}$ is a diameter of the larger circle, $\overline{BC}$ is a chord of the larger circle that is tangent to the smaller circle, and $AB=12$, then the radius of the larger circle is
$\text{(A) } 13\quad \text{(B) } 18\quad \text{(C) } 21\quad \text{(D) } 24\quad \text{(E) } 26$
We are given that $BC$ is tangent to the smaller circle. Using that, we know where the circle intersects $BC$, it creates a right triangle. We can also point out that since $AC$ is the diameter of the bigger circle and triangle $ABC$ is inscribed the semi-circle, that angle $B$ is a right angle. Therefore, we have $2$ similar triangles. Let's label the center of the smaller circle (which is also the center of the larger circle) as $D$. Let's also label the point where the smaller circle intersects $BC$ as $E$. So $ABC$ is similar to $DEC$. Since $DE$ is the radius of the smaller circle, call the length $x$ and since $DC$ is the radius of the bigger circle, call that length $3x$. The diameter, $AC$ is $6x$. So,
$\frac{AB}{AC} = \frac {DE}{DC} \Rightarrow \frac{12}{6x} = \frac{x}{3x} \Rightarrow 36x = 6x^2 \Rightarrow 6 = x$
But they are asking for the larger circle radius, so 
$3x= \fbox{18}$

$\fbox{B}$