The equivalent resistance of a 4-\u03a9 and 12-\u03a9 resistor placed in parallel can be determined using the usual formula for equivalent resistance of parallel branches: 1 / Req = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2 + 1 / R3 ... Now the Ohm's law equation (\u0394V = I \u2022 R) can be used to determine the total current in the circuit.