Circuit with Dependent Current Source

[wk1989]

Homework Statement

I'm not sure how to solve this question, the method you're supposed to use is nodal analysis.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I tried to use KCL at node A, so I have

(12-Va)/8 - 3Va =0

Once I solved Va, the current is 3*Va. However, I'm not getting the right answer which is supposed to be -6 A.

Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[quantumdude]

The setup makes no sense. You don't connect ammeters in parallel with circuit elements, you connect them in series.

Are you sure this is how the diagram appears in your book?

 

[wk1989]

This was on a list of exercise problems from a university website, but ignoring that, how would you find the current through the current source?

 

[quantumdude]

how would you find the current through the current source?

That is precicely why the setup makes no sense. If the ammeter truly is reading the current through the current source, then you don't need to calculate the current. You just read it! But that ammeter cannot possibly be reading the current through the current source, because it's connected wrong.