Operator placement — Replace each ‘‘*’’ with the correct mathematical sign so that the equation is true. 24 * 34 * 2 * 5 * 12

Introduction / Context:
These problems test whether you can place arithmetic symbols so that both sides of an equation balance. You must respect standard precedence (× and ÷ before + and −) on each side of the equality, and the single “=” must split the statement into a left-hand side (LHS) and a right-hand side (RHS).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Template: 24 {s1} 34 {s2} 2 {s3} 5 {s4} 12
• Exactly one of {s1..s4} is “=”; the rest are chosen from +, −, ×, ÷.
• Usual operator precedence applies on each side of “=”.

Concept / Approach:
Try options that place “=” where the remaining three operators can naturally form a simple calculation. Check each option with clean arithmetic to avoid precedence mistakes.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Briefly test other choices: they evaluate to values different from 24 (e.g., 24 + 34 ÷ 2 × 5 = 109; 24 = 34 ÷ 2 + 5 − 12 gives 10). Thus only Option C balances.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• They either misplace the equality or produce incorrect totals due to precedence.

Common Pitfalls:

• Forgetting that division happens before addition/subtraction.
• Trying to evaluate left-to-right across the equality instead of evaluating each side independently.

Final Answer:
= ÷ - +