How Do You Solve Complex Kirchhoff's Law Problems?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Kirchhoff's laws to solve a complex circuit problem involving multiple resistors and currents. The original poster expresses uncertainty about their mathematical approach despite having established equations based on Kirchhoff's current and voltage laws.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to solve for the currents through resistors using their equations but struggles with the mathematical execution. Some participants question the clarity and correctness of the equations presented, while others suggest that the poster provide more detailed attempts to facilitate better guidance.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing feedback on the clarity of the original poster's work and encouraging them to share more details. There is no explicit consensus on the correctness of the equations, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is facing challenges with uploading their problem image, which may hinder the clarity of the discussion. There is also an indication that the original poster has not received sufficient instruction on handling various types of Kirchhoff's law problems in their coursework.

BirdK
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Homework Statement


http://file:///Users/jarrettwingfield1/Desktop/Screen%20Shot%202016-09-29%20at%205.29.21%20PM.png My professor told me my equations were correct, but I do not know how to find the current through each resistor mathematically, and every example I find online is too simple so it doesn't help me.
My equations are: i1=i2+i3; -2i2 - 6i1 = -8 ; 2i2- 4i3 = -12
An online calculator says i1=0.857 i2=-1.429 and i3= 2.286

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

question 4a.jpg
Screen Shot 2016-09-29 at 5.29.21 PM.png

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question 4.jpg
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Last edited by a moderator:
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Hi BirdK, Welcome to Physics Forums.

Your image is not visible, likely because it's hosted on your machine. Can you upload it? (Use the UPLOAD icon at the bottom right of the reply edit window).

You need to show some details of your attempt.
 
Well I can't seem to figure out the upload thing, maybe because its a mac. But I am certain that my equations are set up correctly, so if someone can just show me how to do the math. I've attempted it several times, but my professor hasn't showed us how to do all the different types of these equations.
 
If the image is in a file on your computer then the UPLOAD mechanism should be able to open a file list via your machine's operating system for selection. If not then perhaps the mechanism is blocked on your machine (security issue?). Otherwise, you should be able to cut and paste a "snipped" screen grab. Failing that, upload your image to a hosting side and paste a URL.

Regarding your equations, helpers won't do the math for you or show you step by step. You need to show what you've attempted in detail and they will point out errors, make suggestions, give hints and so on.
 
I attached the problem and my work. Where it says 3(4), that just means I multiplied equation 3 by 4, to add to the equation of 1+2
 
I'm having difficulty interpreting your handwritten work, but I can see that the results you're getting are not correct.

I've spotted one error in the first block of equations where you summed ##-6 I_3## and ##-16 I_3## and arrived at ##-24 I_3##, which is not right. I gave up after that.

You should endeavor to make the math you present more clear for others to read, preferably with some commentary to describe what you're doing at each step. Ideally you'd type in your equations so that they can be quoted in replies. LaTeX is a wonderful thing :smile:
 

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