# Circuit problem [closed]

Question: calculate the potentials at A and B.

The solution says that they are both 12V "due to symmetry" but I have no idea what is the thought process behind this. I was able to do it the long way by setting up currents and using kirchhoffs current law to form a system of equations, but clearly there is an easier way I'm missing out on.

The wire joining A and B is ideal, that is, it has no resistance. From the definition of resistance $$\Delta V = IR$$, the potential difference between points A and B is zero. Hence the potentials at A and B are the same.
As the resistances labelled $$R_1$$ and $$R_3$$ are between the same potential difference, they are in parallel. The same argument can be applied to resistances labelled $$R_2$$ and $$R_4$$. The two sets of resistances are in series.
What is "symmetric" about this problem, is that the equivalent resistance of both sets of resistances are the same. Hence, the terminal potential difference of the battery ($$24V$$) is split equally across the two sets ; $$12V$$ each, which represent the potential difference between each terminal of the battery and the points A and B