Answer
$3\ln{a}$
Work Step by Step
RECALL:
$\ln{PQ} = \ln{P} + \ln{Q}$
Write $a^3$ as $a^2(a)$ to obtain:
$=\ln{(a^2\cdot a)}$
Use the rule above to obtain:
$=\ln{(a^2)} + \ln{a}$
Write $a^2$ as $a(a)$ to obtain:
$=\ln{(a \cdot a)} + \ln{a}$
Use the rule above to obtain:
$=\ln{a} + \ln{a} + \ln{a}$
