Question

If I have a 9V circuit, with:

2 resistors in parallel; followed by:
2 single resistors in series;

and I calculate the effective R of the parallel pair (using 1/R=1/R1+1/R2); can i then add this value to the series resistors to get a total for the circuit? As in:

(1/R=1/R1+1/R2)+R3+R4 = Reff

If so, can I now use Ohm's Law to get the current flowing through the last single resistor?

Thanks

Answer 1

The way you did it in the formula, you added the reciprocal of the parallel resistance to R3 and R4.

Rparallel= (R1*R2/(R1+R2))
then add that to R3 and R4

Answer 2

I get it. My text shows your formula, but recommends 1/R= 1/R1+1/R2 etc as easier! I'm with you. If the numbers match, is my thinking ok?

Answer 3

I forgot to say "take the reciprocal". Does that make more sense?