How Do I Solve This Electrical Engineering Equation?

[_Miami_]

Homework Statement

I can't seem to solve this equation from my electrical engineering class.. Can someone please help..

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

[The Electrician]

Are you required to use a particular method to solve this network? If not, I would think the superposition method would be a good one to use in this case.

If you make an attempt and show your work, you will get some help.

 

[_Miami_]

you have to use thevenin's theorem..thats the problem... I am not familiar with it at all..
just started this course..and I am having a really hard time..
my attempt would take too long to post online.. that's why i haven't posted it..

 

[Mr.Green]

Thevenin's theorem procedures:

1) Replace a short circuit instead of the voltage sources and open circuit instead of current sources.

2) Remove the 5 Ohm resistor that you want to calculate the current through it leaving an open circuit instead of the resistor.

3) Calculate the resistance seen from the open that you leave. Call it R_TH.

4) Calculate the voltage on the open circuit. Call it V_TH.

5) Now draw a practical voltage source (an ideal voltage source in sereis with a resistor) with a voltage of V_TH and a resistor value of R_TH.

6) Noe return the 5 Ohm resistor. I_x = V_TH / (R_TH + 5)

 

[Mr.Green]

If the steps is not clear see:

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_10/8.html