[header] How to solve parallel circuits [title] Identify parallel circuits. [step] A parallel circuit has two or more branches that all lead from point a to point b. a single stream of electrons divides to flow through multiple branches, then merge back into one stream on the other side. Most problems involving parallel circuits will ask you to identify the total voltage, resistance, or current across the circuit (point a to point b). 
[substeps] Components " connected in parallel " are each located on a separate branch. [title] Understand current and resistance in parallel circuits.