1. Use the Quotient Rule: x^a/x^b = x^a - b
5^9 - 3 = 5a
2. Simplify 9 - 3 to 6
5^6 = 5^a
3. Simplify 5^6 to 15625
15625 = 5^a
4. Convert both sides to the same base
5. Cancel the base of 5 on both sides
6 = a
6. Switch sides
a = 6
