Solve Ideal Diode Circuit - Find V & I

[francisg3]

Hello,
I have been given a homework problem about ideal diodes. The diagram is below. I need to find V and I. I have the solution (4 mA and 1V) however I am unsure as to why it is so.

I would have set 5V at the node where the resistor and 3V diode meet therefore setting all the diodes to be reversed-bias. This is obviously wrong as the voltage at that node needs to be 1V to satisy the V and I answers.

Thank you.

 

[vk6kro]

Yes, one of the diodes will conduct before the others and then they never get enough voltage to conduct.

It may help to consider what would happen if you gradually increased the supplied voltage from zero to 5 volts. What would happen to the current in the diodes?

 

[francisg3]

Thank you, I figured it out!