To solve the equation \( x^9 = 3 \), you would use the inverse operation of exponentiation, which is taking the root. In this case, you would take the 9th root of both sides.
While 'taking the root' isn't one of the options listed (subtraction, multiplication, division, or addition), the closest option related to the operations you mentioned is division, as you can think of taking the root as involving a division of the exponent. However, the most precise operation to describe solving for \( x \) here is to take the 9th root.
If it helps, remember the equation can also be expressed as:
\[ x = 3^{(1/9)} \]
But based on the options you've provided, none directly apply as taking the 9th root isn't listed.