Solving Thevenin Circuit with R1 Removed: Explanation and Calculations

[noswad]

pic aint working, going to upload it again. If you just copy & paste the URL it works fine
http://cottage7.angelfire.com/Thevenin.png

I've been using this site for a while but I finally have a problem that I could not relate to another on this site so here I am!

Homework Statement

I must calculate the current through R1 given:
R1=3Ω
R2=6Ω
R3=3Ω
R4=4Ω
R5=6Ω

R1 MUST be taken out and thevenin's theorem used.

Homework Equations

http://cottage7.angelfire.com/Thevenin.png

The Attempt at a Solution

i can't seem to wrap my head around on how to set up the loops. Pulling R1 (which is at a->b) leaves an ugly looking circuit.

Rth =(R2)(R3)/(R2+R3) + R4 + R5

is this thevenin resistance correct? Somebody told me to ignore R5 but that doesn't seem right.

Once i find Vth & Rth I imagine the rest will be simple, kirchhoff's rules & linear equations, etc.

 

[vela]

If you go to advanced mode, you can attach pictures so you don't have to host them somewhere else. I attached your diagram to the post for you.

 

[vela]

Your Thevenin resistance isn't correct. You want to replace the voltage sources by shorts.

As far as calculating the Thevenin voltage goes, you have only two loops. What current flows through R₅ since it's not part of a loop?