If $3^{2}+3^{2}+3^{2}=3^{a}$, the value of $a$ is
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 6
(E) 8
Solution 1

$3^{2}+3^{2}+3^{2}=3 \times 3^{2}=3^{1} \times 3^{2}=3^{3}$. Thus, $a=3$.

## Solution 2

$3^{2}+3^{2}+3^{2}=9+9+9=27$, so $3^{a}=27$ and so $a=3$, since $3^{3}=27$.

Answer: (B)