To evaluate the exponential function $f(x) = 3^x$ when $x = 9$, we substitute $x = 9$ into the function.

$f(9) = 3^9$

Now, let's calculate $3^9$:

$3^9 = 19683$

Thus, $f(9) = 19683$.

If you need further details or have additional questions, feel free to ask!

Related Questions:

1. How do you evaluate an exponential function for other values of $x$?
2. What are the properties of exponential functions?
3. How would you graph the function $f(x) = 3^x$?
4. How does the function $f(x) = 3^x$ compare to other exponential functions like $f(x) = 2^x$?
5. What happens to $f(x) = 3^x$ as $x$ approaches negative infinity?

Tip:

Exponential functions grow very quickly. For large values of $x$, the output increases significantly.