(b) From the Ohm’s law
$I = \frac{2E}{2r + R}$
In parallel combination of two cells, the current through the external resistance r will be
$I^{'} = \frac{E}{\frac{r}{2} + R} = \frac{2E}{r + 2R}$
If $I = I’$ then $2r + R = r + 2R$
$\Longrightarrow \ \ r = R = 3\Omega$