If (18^a) * 9^(3a – 1)= (2^3)(3^b) and a and b are positive integers, what is the value of a?  Select the correct option: A) 22 B) 11 C) 9 D) 6 E) 3

Rationale: 18 ^ a ) * 9 ^ ( 3 a – 1 ) = ( 2 ^ 3 ) ( 3 ^ b ) = 2 ^ a . 9 ^ a . 9 ^ ( 3 a – 1 ) = ( 2 ^ 3 ) ( 3 ^ b ) just compare powers of 2 from both sides ( no need to calculate powers of 3 , 9 as value of b is not asked ) answer = 3 answer : e
Answer: E