Solving for EMF: Potential Differences with R1 = 4 x R2 | Homework Question

[yamugushi]

Homework Statement

If R1 = 4 x R2 then what are the values of the potential difference in terms of the EMF, E?

I have R1 = 3/4, and R2 = 1/4 but that seems a bit simplistic, then I tried plugging it into equations and got completely different answers.

Homework Equations

R=V/I (?)
EMF=v1 +v2

The Attempt at a Solution

First I simply put it as 1/4 and 3/4, then I plugged it into the equations:
v=IR
v₁=1(4) =4
v₂=1(1) =1
EMF=v1 + v2 = 5
R2 = 1.25, R1 = 5

??

 

[collinsmark]

Solve the current, I. Express this interim result as a function of E, R1 and R2.

Since you know that R1 = 4 x R2, you can now express the current solely as function of E and R2 (since R1 goes away after the substitution).

Now that you know the current, using V = IR, find the EMF (i.e. voltage) across R2. You should be able to express it solely as a function of E (after some algebraic simplification).