Detailed Instructions: In this task, you need to answer the given multiple-choice question on the general math. Classify your answers into 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', and 'e'.
Problem:Problem: what is the greatest prime factor of 3 ^ 8 - 1 ? 
Options: a ) 29 , b ) 31 , c ) 37 , d ) 41 , e ) 43
Solution:

Show your work and conclude with the exact phrasing "Therefore, the final answer is [answer]." where [answer] is just the final number or expression that solves the problem.
user
d