Question

Here are three tape diagrams. Determine the value of `a`.

Answer 1

5

Explanation:

first row: 6/4 = 1.5 per box

second row has 5 boxes so 1.5*5 = 7.5

3rd row has only 3 boxes, 7.5/3 =2.5

a=2*2.5 = 5

Answer 2

The value of a is -40V.

The solution for (a) involves identifying the known values and the unknown variable, writing down the equation, and simplifying it.

Solution for (a)

1. Start by identifying the known values and the unknown variable. In this case, the known values are:
   -IR₁ = 15V
   V₁ = 10V
   IR₂ = 20V
   V₂ = 15V
   IR₃ = 10V
2. Write down the equation representing the loop abcda:
   -IR₁ - V₁ - IR₂ + V₂ - IR₃ = 0
3. Simplify the equation by grouping the constant terms and substituting them with the variable a:
   -15 - 10 - 20 + 15 - 10 = a

The value of a is -40V.