Red Seal Electrician Practice
DC circuitsQuestion 631 of 1506

In a circuit, R1 carries the whole current, which then divides through R2 and R3. How are the resistors connected?

  1. R1, R2 and R3 are all in series with each other.
  2. R1, R2 and R3 are all in parallel with each other.
  3. R1 is in parallel with R2, and R3 is in series with both.
  4. R2 and R3 are in parallel, and R1 is in series with that pair.
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Correct answer: R2 and R3 are in parallel, and R1 is in series with that pair.

Both current paths pass through R1, so it is in series with the parallel pair R2 and R3.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 5.1: What are “Series” and “Parallel” Circuits?

Practice dc circuits

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026