Final answer:
The total resistance of three resistors arranged in parallel can be calculated using the formula rp = 1 / (1/r1 + 1/r2 + 1/r3), while the total resistance of resistors arranged in series can be found by adding their values together.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total resistance of three resistors arranged in parallel is calculated using the formula: rp = 1 / (1/r1 + 1/r2 + 1/r3). In this case, the resistances are denoted as r1, r2, and r3. On the other hand, the total resistance of resistors arranged in series is calculated by simply adding their values together: rs = r1 + r2 + r3.
For example, if the values of r1, r2, and r3 are 10 ohms, 20 ohms, and 30 ohms respectively, the total resistance when arranged in parallel would be: rp = 1 / (1/10 + 1/20 + 1/30) = 5.4545 ohms. And when arranged in series, the total resistance would be rs = 10 + 20 + 30 = 60 ohms.