Total Resistance of Parallel Circuit Calculation

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The total resistance of the given parallel circuit with resistors R1 (9 Ohms), R2 (17 Ohms), and R3 (13 Ohms) requires the correct application of series and parallel formulas. R1 and R2 are in series, and their combined resistance should be calculated first before finding the total resistance in parallel with R3. The initial calculation of 4.0 Ohms is incorrect, as the actual total resistance is significantly larger. It's important to express the final answer to one decimal place as requested. Properly applying the series and parallel formulas will yield the correct total resistance.
Vaish

Homework Statement


R1= 9 Ohms R2= 17 Ohms R3= 18 Ohms
what is the total resistance of this arrangement? Express answer in ohms, correct to one decimal place.

Homework Equations


I used the Parallel circuit formula 1/r1 + r2 + r3

The Attempt at a Solution


I got 4.0 Ohms, apparently, it is incorrect. Please help. Thank you!
 

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R1 and R2 are in series, so use the series formula there.
Then the R1R2 resistors are in parallel with R3, so use the parallel formula with the series result and R3.

Also, in the graphic, R3 is 13 ohms, not the 18 you stated.
The "4.05" in the graphic is apparently your answer:
1) Although the problem asks for 1 decimal place, your answer is shown to two places.
2) Your answer is wrong. It is not 4.05 - it is substantially larger than that.
 
Thank you very much. This definitely helped and I also noted the 1 decimal place.
 
Vaish said:
1/r1 + r2 + r3
No such formula. What did you mean?
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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