Question

When resistors 1 and 2 are connected in series, the equivalent resistance is 14.3 Ω. When they are connected in parallel, the equivalent resistance is 2.70 Ω. What are (a) the smaller resistance and (b) the larger resistance of these two resistors?

Answer 1

Let the resistors be R₁ and R₂

Equivalent resistance in series is given as

R₁ + R₂ = 14.3 eq-1

R₂ = 14.3 - R₁                                               eq-2

Equivalent resistance in parallel is given as

R₁ R₂/(R₁ + R₂) = 2.70

Using eq-1

R₁ R₂/(14.3) = 2.70

R₁ R₂ = 38.61

Using eq-2

R₁ (14.3 - R₁) = 38.61

R₁ = 3.61 ohm

b)

Using eq-2

R₂ = 14.3 - R₁

R₂ = 14.3 - 3.61

R₂ = 10.7 ohm