Equivalent Capacitance of capacitors

[Ballin27]

Homework Statement

The equivalent capacitance of the capacitors shown in the figure is 9.26 uF

http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1122585/1/Walker.21.58.jpg

Homework Equations

Cseries = 1/Cs = 1/c1 + 1/c2 + ...
Cparallel = Cp = C1 + C2 + ...

The Attempt at a Solution

Ceq = 9.26uF = Cseries + Cparallel

I am confused as to what I should do with the 12.0uF capacitor and the unknown capacitor. I assume that the 7.22, 4.25, and 8.35 are all in parallel?

Any and all help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[gneill]

I am confused as to what I should do with the 12.0uF capacitor and the unknown capacitor. I assume that the 7.22, 4.25, and 8.35 are all in parallel?

No, those capacitors are not in parallel; for capacitors to be in parallel both of their terminal leads need to be directly connected.

You will have to work through the circuit in a series of steps, combining serial and parallel capacitances as they arise. To start off, combine the serial pair 12.0 and 8.35. You'll have to carry the unknown capacitance, C, as a variable as the simplification process incorporates it. Eventually you'll have to solve for it.