How do you find a polar equation for the curve represented by the Cartesian equation x² + y² = 6cx?

To convert the Cartesian equation x² + y² = 6cx into polar coordinates, we need to use the relationships between Cartesian and polar coordinates:

  • x = r cos(θ)
  • y = r sin(θ)
  • x² + y² = r²

Substituting x and y in terms of r and θ into the original equation:

x² + y² = 6cx

We can express this as:

r² = 6c(r imes cos(θ))

Next, we can simplify this equation:

Dividing both sides by r (assuming r ≠ 0):

r = 6c cos(θ)

This gives us the polar equation of the curve represented by the original Cartesian equation. Thus, the polar form is:

r = 6c cos(θ)

This describes a circle in polar coordinates centered along the x-axis, depending on the value of c.

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