Asked by Jon

Hello, I am not sure how to go about solving this equation:

The total electrical resistance R of two resistors connected in parallel with resistances R1 and R2 is given by 1/R=1/R1+1/R2. One resistor has a resistance of 2.3 ohms. Let x be the resistance of the second resistor. Find the resistance of the second resistor if the total resistance of the pair is 1.7 ohms.

I'm not sure how to go about this I thought maybe:

1/1.7=1/2.3+1/x

I've never done anything like this before
Answered by Reiny
Ok so far
Don't let the fractions scare you

1/1.7 - 1/2.3 = 1/x
.15345 = 1/x , take reciprocal of both sides, (flip it)
1/.15345 = x/1
x = 6.5

check: 1/2.3 + 1/6.5 = .5886
1/1.7 = .2882 (close enough)
Answered by Jon
Ok, thanks. That's actually what I have in my notebook. I just wasn't sure if I was going about it right.
There are no AI answers yet. The ability to request AI answers is coming soon!