C operator precedence and associativity: determine the evaluation order by operator for z = x + y * z / 4 % 2 - 1 (from highest to lowest, left-to-right where applicable).

Introduction / Context:
Mastering operator precedence and associativity in C prevents subtle bugs and clarifies how compound expressions are parsed. This problem asks you to list operators in the order they are applied to parse the expression, respecting associativity among operators of the same precedence.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Expression: z = x + y * z / 4 % 2 - 1.
• All operands are arithmetic types; default C precedence rules apply.
• We are listing operator categories by precedence, not forcing runtime evaluation sequence of operands.

Concept / Approach:
In C, the multiplicative operators * , / , % share the same precedence and associate left to right. Additive operators + and - come next, also left to right. Finally, the assignment operator = has lower precedence, evaluated after the right-hand side expression is formed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
First group multiplicative: compute y * z, then (result) / 4, then (result) % 2.Next apply addition: x + (multiplicative result).Then apply subtraction: (previous result) - 1.Finally assign to z using = after the right-hand side is fully determined.

Verification / Alternative check:
Parenthesize according to precedence: z = ((x + (((y * z) / 4) % 2)) - 1); This matches * / % + - before =.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• = * / % + - places assignment too early.
• / * % - + = swaps order within the multiplicative group and places - before +.
• * % / - + = misorders / and %.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing precedence with operand evaluation order; forgetting left-to-right associativity within precedence groups.

Final Answer:
* / % + - =.