Choice A is the correct answer. Rewrite 32 as a power of 2.

1. Rewrite: $32 = 2^5$, so $2^{3x-1} = 2^5$.
2. Equal bases: $3x - 1 = 5$.
3. Solve: $3x = 6$, so $x = 2$.
4. Verify: $2^{3(2)-1} = 2^5 = 32$ ✓

💡 Strategic Tip: Express both sides with the same base to compare exponents.

Choice B is incorrect because$2^{3(3)-1} = 2^8 = 256 eq 32$. Choice C is incorrect because$2^{3(1)-1} = 2^2 = 4 eq 32$. Choice D is incorrect because$2^{3(4)-1} = 2^{11} = 2048 eq 32$.