Question

Two resistors of resistance 1.0 Ω and 2.0 Ω connected in parallel are linked in series to a 3.0 Ω resistor. All three of this is in parallel with a fourth resistor. If the total effective resistance is 1.0 Ω, what is the resistance of the fourth resistor?

a)11/3
b)11/8
c)4
d)3

Answer 1

Answer: 11/8

Step-by-step explanation:

Given the following:

R1 = 1.0 Ω, R2 = 2.0 Ω, R3 = 3.0 Ω

Total effective resistance = 1.0 Ω

Resistance in parallel :

R = (R1×R2) / R1+R2

Resistance in series :

R = R1 + R2 + .... +Rn

Therefore,

R1 and R2 in parallel

Re = (1 × 2) / (1 + 2) = 2/3 Ω

Re is linked in series to R3

Rf = Re + R3

Rf = 2/3 + 3 = 11/3

Rf linked in parallel to R4 with effective resistance being 1 Ω

11/ 3 and R4 in parallel gives 1 Ω

Re = (11/3 × R4) / (11/3 + R4)

1 = 11/3 R4 / 11/3 + R4

Cross multiply

11/3 + R4 = 11/3 × R4

11/3 = 11/3R4 - R4

11/3 = 8/3R4

Multiply both sides by 3/8

33/24 = R4

IN LOWEST TERM

R4 = 11/8