Question

If a 4 Ohm resistor and a 12 Ohm resistor are connected in parallel, what is the total
resistance?

Answer 1

Rt = 3 ohms

Explanation:

Let R1 = 4-ohm resistor

R2 = 12-ohm resistor

For 2 resistors connected in parallel, the total resistance Rt is given by

1/Rt = 1/R1 + 1/R2

or

Rt = R1R2/(R1 + R2)

= (4 ohms)(12 ohms)/(4 ohms + 12 ohms)

= 48 ohms^2/16 ohms

= 3 ohms