Are Overly Complicated Homework Problems Beneficial for Student Learning?

[ahmadtibi]

Hello I'm trying to solve my homework assignment, I have successfully found the thevenin resistance which is equal to 3.75 but I'm stuck on how to even get started to find the voltage because there are too many components.

I have shorted the load resistor which is called R_L but there are too many currents for me to calculate I'm not sure how to proceed.

 

[phinds]

Just write the loop equations and solve them. It's just tedious algebra.

If you want to break it down into smaller parts and deal with each, then start with the two 5ohm/10Volt sections on the left. Combine them into THEIR Thevenin equivalents. Then add the 2ohm and 5.5 ohm and create another Thevenin equivalent. Keep doing that until you have a final Thevenin equivalent.

 

[anorlunda]

Do students really learn anything more by giving them overly complicated problems? I've seen some problems obviously contrived with ridiculous controlled sources.

Jack Welch was famous for demanding 10% more profits every year from GE. Do we have the case where instructors are challenged to make 10% more complicated homework problems each year?