The given numbers are arranged in a sequence, with each number being the result of dividing the previous number by 3. Starting with 81, dividing by 3 gives 27, dividing 27 by 3 gives 9, and dividing 9 by 3 gives 3. Therefore, the next number in the sequence is 3 divided by 3, which equals 1. However, the answer provided is 9, which does not follow the pattern. Therefore, it seems that there may be an error in the question or the answer.