Simplify the Expression: 3^(2a) ÷ 3^a Using Exponent Rules

To solve the question, let's apply the Power of a Quotient Rule for Exponents. This rule states that when dividing like bases with exponents, you can subtract the exponent of the denominator from the exponent of the numerator. Mathematically, this is expressed as:

$\frac{b^m}{b^n} = b^{m-n}$

In our case, the base $b$ is 3, the exponent $m$ for the numerator is $2a$, and the exponent $n$ for the denominator is $a$. Thus, we can substitute these into the formula:

$\frac{3^{2a}}{3^a} = 3^{2a-a}$

Now, simplify the exponent:

$3^{2a-a} = 3^{a}$

Therefore, the expression simplifies to:

$3^a$

The solution to the question is: $3^a$