Node Equation Method (Node Voltage Method):

  1. Find essential nodes of the circuit
  2. Number of equations  =  essential nodes - 1
  3. Choose a reference node (arbitrary, but usually the one that is connected to the most elements)
  4. Write the voltage references (plus and minus sign) with a voltage rise from the reference node to the other nodes.
  5. Draw the arrows out of the nonreference node and make the terms positive in the node voltage equation.
  6. Then write the node voltage equations