How do you find the polar equation for the curve given by the Cartesian equation 2x + 3y = 6?

To convert the Cartesian equation 2x + 3y = 6 into polar coordinates, we first recall the relationships between Cartesian coordinates (x, y) and polar coordinates (r, θ):

x = r * cos(θ)

y = r * sin(θ)

1. **Substituting for x and y:**

Using these relationships, we can substitute for x and y in the given equation:

2(r * cos(θ)) + 3(r * sin(θ)) = 6

2r * cos(θ) + 3r * sin(θ) = 6

2r cos(θ) + 3r sin(θ) = 6

2r cos(θ) + 3r sin(θ) can be factored as:

r(2 cos(θ) + 3 sin(θ)) = 6

2. **Isolating r:**

Now, to isolate r, we divide both sides of the equation by (2 cos(θ) + 3 sin(θ)):

r = \( \frac{6}{2 cos(θ) + 3 sin(θ)} \

3. **Final Polar Equation:**

Thus, the polar equation that represents the curve described by the Cartesian equation 2x + 3y = 6 is:

r = \( \frac{6}{2 cos(θ) + 3 sin(θ)} \

This polar equation can now be used to further analyze the curve or to graph it in polar coordinates.

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