The expression to simplify is:

$3^{\frac{n}{2} - 1} + 3^{\frac{n}{2} - 1} + 3^{\frac{n}{2} - 1}$

We notice that each term is the same, so we can factor it out. This gives:

$3^{\frac{n}{2} - 1} + 3^{\frac{n}{2} - 1} + 3^{\frac{n}{2} - 1} = 3 \cdot 3^{\frac{n}{2} - 1}$

Now, we can simplify further using the property of exponents $a^m \cdot a^n = a^{m+n}$:

$3 \cdot 3^{\frac{n}{2} - 1} = 3^{1 + \frac{n}{2} - 1} = 3^{\frac{n}{2}}$

So, the simplified expression is:

$3^{\frac{n}{2}}$

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are five related questions that might deepen your understanding:

1. How can we simplify expressions with different bases?
2. What are other common exponent rules useful for simplification?
3. How does this simplification method apply to sums of more complex exponential expressions?
4. How would the process change if the exponents differed slightly between terms?
5. Can this technique be extended to higher powers or sums with more terms?

Tip: When simplifying expressions, always look for common terms that can be factored out; this often simplifies the process significantly.