If (18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^6)(3^b) and a and b are positive integers, what is the value of a?

If (18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^6)(3^b) and a and b are positive integers, what is the value of a?

Quiz

Answer/Solution

6

Steps/Work

(18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^6)(3^b)
= 2^a . 9^a . 9^(3a – 1) = (2^6)(3^b)
Just compare powers of 2 from both sides
Answer = 6 = D