How to Find Total Resistance in a DC Circuit

AI Thread Summary
To find the total resistance in a DC circuit, the discussion emphasizes using the formulas for series and parallel circuits. The user initially miscalculated by incorrectly including an extra resistor in their diagram, leading to confusion about the total resistance. After clarification, it was noted that the 12-ohm resistor should not be included in the final calculation. The correct total resistance was confirmed to be 3.0 kΩ after correcting the diagram. The conversation highlights the importance of accurately representing circuit components for proper calculations.
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Homework Statement



Breakdown, and find the total resistance for this circuit.

Homework Equations


V=IR

Parallel Circuits - 1/Rtot = 1/R1 + 1/R2 ...

Series Circuits - Rtot = R1 + R2


The Attempt at a Solution



http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/4176/centralkootenayj2011122.jpg


Please don't mind the resistor units, they're all in kΩ.

Basically, I try to breakdown the circuit into its most simple form. I feel however that in my 3rd recreation I'm doing something wrong.

In the first circuit diagram, I took the two resistors on the right and made them one (as they're in series). I then considered the two resistors on the far right in parallel, finding the new resistance. However --- is this correct, as there is the 6 ohm resistor just before it. Must I include this in the Rparallel equation? I have tried this but still I get an incorrect answer, of 2.67kΩ.

My answer as done in the picture is 2.5kΩ. However the supposed answer is 3kΩ.

And no there isn't supposed to be a rounding of the answer.

Please help!
 
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Your method is fine but in your 3rd diagram the 12 resistor immediately to the right of the battery should not be there.
You will then get the correct answer.
 
3.0 k
 
technician said:
Your method is fine but in your 3rd diagram the 12 resistor immediately to the right of the battery should not be there.
You will then get the correct answer.

I'm sorry but I do not understand. In the preceding diagrams the 12 resistor is there... why should it no longer be there? I must be missing something.
 
You have drawn two of them, should be one. An extra one materialized from nowhere!
 
NascentOxygen said:
You have drawn two of them, should be one. An extra one materialized from nowhere!

oh my god! I'm such an idiot.

I saw he 12V battery and wrote in an extra resistor.

Thanks. hahaha.
 
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