Numerical Example – Resistors in Parallel

For the diagram shown above, we are given the following information:

V = 20 volts

R1 = 4 ohms

R2 = 6 ohms

Find the current being supplied by the battery.

Solution

First we find the equivalent resistance:

R = (R1 x R2)/(R1 +R2) = (4 x 6)/(4 + 6) = 24/10 = 2.4 ohms

Now we can apply our formula for current: I = V/R

I = 20/2.4 = 8.3 Amps