If (18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^4)(3^b) and a and b are positive integers, what is the value of a?	Choose the correct answer:  A) 22  B) 11  C) 9  D) 6  E) 4
(18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^4)(3^b)   = 2^a . 9^a . 9^(3a – 1) = (2^4)(3^b)   Just compare powers of 2 from both sides   Answer = 4 = 4
<result>E</result>
If (18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^4)(3^b) and a and b are positive integers, what is the value of a?