3. Which expression is equal to \( 3^{4} \) ? A \( \sqrt[4]{3} \) B \( \sqrt[4]{81} \) C 12 D \( 9^{2} \)

To determine which expression is equal to \( 3^{4} \), we can evaluate each option: 1. **Option A: \( \sqrt[4]{3} \)** This is equal to \( 3^{1/4} \), which is not equal to \( 3^{4} \). 2. **Option B: \( \sqrt[4]{81} \)** We know that \( 81 = 3^{4} \). Therefore, \[ \sqrt[4]{81} = \sqrt[4]{3^{4}} = 3^{4/4} = 3^{1} = 3 \] This is not equal to \( 3^{4} \). 3. **Option C: 12** This is simply a number and does not equal \( 3^{4} \). 4. **Option D: \( 9^{2} \)** We know that \( 9 = 3^{2} \). Therefore, \[ 9^{2} = (3^{2})^{2} = 3^{2 \cdot 2} = 3^{4} \] This is equal to \( 3^{4} \). Thus, the correct answer is **D \( 9^{2} \)**.