How Do You Calculate Resistance in Complex Circuits?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the resistance in a complex circuit, given a specific current through a battery. The original poster presents an equation involving total resistance and attempts to solve for an unknown resistance value.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants review the original poster's calculations, noting the point where they derived a total resistance value. They suggest checking arithmetic and algebraic steps to identify potential errors in the solution process.

Discussion Status

Multiple participants have confirmed the correctness of the calculations up to a certain point, indicating a productive discussion. There is an acknowledgment of a possible arithmetic mistake by the original poster, which has led to further exploration of the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the calculations without providing direct solutions, focusing instead on verifying steps and encouraging the original poster to reassess their work.

Maigowai
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Homework Statement


What is the value of resistance R in the figure, if the current through the battery is 5.0A?


Homework Equations


V=IR
Rt = (1/R1 + 1/R2)^-1 + R3


The Attempt at a Solution


Rt = V/I
Rt = 2V/5A
Rt = 0.4ohms

0.4 = (1/0.5 + 1/R)^-1 + 0.1
R = -5 ohms

(the answer given is 0.750 ohms)
 

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Everything looks correct down to and including 0.4 = (1/0.5 + 1/R)^-1 + 0.1

I started from that point and got the correct answer. Check your arithmetic again.
 
skeptic2 said:
Everything looks correct down to and including 0.4 = (1/0.5 + 1/R)^-1 + 0.1

I started from that point and got the correct answer. Check your arithmetic again.

oh yeah haha you're right, I messed up in my algebra, thanks!
 
skeptic2 said:
Everything looks correct down to and including 0.4 = (1/0.5 + 1/R)^-1 + 0.1

I started from that point and got the correct answer. Check your arithmetic again.

if you could, please take a look at my other quetsion here: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=3478610#post3478610
 
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