If (18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^5)(3^b) and a and b are positive integers, what is the value of a?  Choices
A) 22  B) 11  C) 9  D) 6  E) 5
(18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^5)(3^b)   = 2^a . 9^a . 9^(3a – 1) = (2^5)(3^b)   Just compare powers of 2 from both sides   Answer = 5 = 5
<result>E</result>
If (18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^5)(3^b) and a and b are positive integers, what is the value of a?