To start, we will first give the formula for how resistors work in parallel
[tex]\frac{1}{R_T}=\frac{1}{R_1}+\frac{1}{R_2}[/tex]Resistors in parallel have to be added by using the reciprical of the value.
For this problem, we will establish R1 to equal 8 ohms and R2 to equal 2 ohms
If we use the formula,
1/Rt = 1/2 + 1/8
Rt = 8/5 or 1.6 ohms