What is the equivalent resistance of 8 Ω and 4 Ω in parallel?

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Multiple Choice

What is the equivalent resistance of 8 Ω and 4 Ω in parallel?

Explanation:
When resistors are in parallel, the total resistance is found by adding their conductances (the reciprocals of the resistances). So 1 divided by the equivalent resistance equals 1/8 plus 1/4. That gives 1/R_eq = 0.125 + 0.25 = 0.375. Inverting, R_eq = 1 / 0.375 = 2.666… ohms, which is 8/3 Ω. This value is smaller than either resistor, which is a characteristic of parallel connections. Rounding gives about 2.667 Ω.

When resistors are in parallel, the total resistance is found by adding their conductances (the reciprocals of the resistances). So 1 divided by the equivalent resistance equals 1/8 plus 1/4. That gives 1/R_eq = 0.125 + 0.25 = 0.375. Inverting, R_eq = 1 / 0.375 = 2.666… ohms, which is 8/3 Ω. This value is smaller than either resistor, which is a characteristic of parallel connections. Rounding gives about 2.667 Ω.

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