Final answer:
The combined equivalent resistance in a parallel circuit is calculated using the formula where the total resistance is the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each individual resistor's resistance. To find this, simply perform the calculations as demonstrated with the example of two resistors with known resistance values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combined equivalent resistance across the main line in a parallel circuit can be found by using the formula for parallel resistors. To calculate the total resistance of a parallel circuit, one must take the reciprocal of the sum of the reciprocals of each individual resistor's resistance. This is shown in the equation:
1/Rtotal = 1/R1 + 1/R2 + 1/R3 + ... + 1/Rn
For example, if you have two resistors in parallel, one with a resistance of 4 ohms and another with a resistance of 6 ohms, the equivalent resistance (Rtotal) can be found by:
1/Rtotal = 1/4 + 1/6
1/Rtotal = 3/12 + 2/12
1/Rtotal = 5/12
Now take the reciprocal to find Rtotal:
Rtotal = 12/5 ohms
Rtotal = 2.4 ohms