# Current through resistors

## Homework Statement

Consider the circuit shown in the figure . Suppose the four resistors in this circuit have the values R1 = 12 $$\Omega$$, R2 = 6.4 $$\Omega$$, R3 = 7.0 $$\Omega$$, and R4 = 13 $$\Omega$$, and that the emf of the battery is $$\epsilon$$ = 18V .

A. Find the current through each resistor using the rules for series and parallel resistors.
B. Find the current through each resistor using Kirchhoff's rules.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/58789079@N08/5385574045/ [Broken] by Tetzsc, on Flickr

V=IR
Req= 1/R1+1/Rn
Req= R1+Rn

## The Attempt at a Solution

First I identify R2 & R4 as series circuits in parallel with R3 and solve for the total resistance across these lines giving me 5.14$$\Omega$$
I know that I1-I2-I3-I4 = 0 and that current will take the path of least resistance.
This is where I'm stuck. I know that the current leaving the R2+R4 & R3 will recombine through R1, but I'm really not sure how to find each individual current.

Rp=5.14$$\Omega$$
Rt=17.14$$\Omega$$

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## Answers and Replies

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gneill
Mentor
You've calculated the equivalent resistance for the network consisting of R2, R3, and R4. You've also recognized that it's in series with R1. So what's the current that the battery will be providing?