According to the question,
(a) R1 = 2 + 2 + 2
R1 = 6 ohm
R2 = 2 ohm
R1 and R2 are joined in parallel
1 / R = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2
1 / R = 1 / 6 + 1 / 2
1 / R = (1 + 3) / 6
1 / R = 4 / 6
R = 6 / 4
R = 1.5 ohm
(b) R1 = 2 + 2
R1 = 4 ohm
R2 = 2 + 2
R2 = 4 ohm
The resistors R1 and R2 are joined in parallel
1 / R = 1 / R1 + 1 / R2
1 / R = 1 / 4 + 1 / 4
1 / R = 2 / 4
1 / R = 1 / 2
R = 2 ohm