Solve Simple Circuit Problem for i: Homework Statement & Equations

[glover_m]

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

Find i.

The Attempt at a Solution

I've been able to reduce the circuit and calculate the total current to be 6A, and the total resistance to be 2Ohms. I'm not sure however how to use that information to find i. Thanks

 

[berkeman]

The simplest way would be to use the KCL technique. Are you familiar with that?

 

[glover_m]

ok yah i'll try that

 

[glover_m]

still no luck, get like 4 equations but can't do anything with them.

 

[berkeman]

still no luck, get like 4 equations but can't do anything with them.

LOL. Post your KCL equations. They are always solvable. You aren't trying...

 

[rootX]

1) My recommendation is treat the resistor i going through as output and find thevenian at that point.
or
2) Use the formula that "converts voltage source with resistor in series" to "current source with resistor in parallel". Simple procedure you repeat like 3 times until you reach the i resistor, but this is just same thing as finding thevenian.

 

[mikelepore]

and the total resistance to be 2Ohms

A fast way to do this problem in one's head, the 12 volts divides across a 1 ohm resistor and combination equivalent to 1 ohm, so the 12 volts has to divide into 6 volts and 6 volts. That 6 volts divides across another 1 ohm resistor and a combination equivalent to 1 ohm ... Etc. The person who designed this problem chose the resistor values such that this pattern would repeat several times.