Interchange of signs — make the equation true: Choose the pair of signs to interchange so that the statement is correct (with standard precedence: ×, ÷ before +, −). Expression to repair: 5 + 3 × 8 − 12 ÷ 4 = 3

Introduction / Context:
We must find which single interchange of two operator symbols yields a true equation. Standard precedence applies (×, ÷ first; then +, −) with left-to-right evaluation inside each tier.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Original: 5 + 3 × 8 − 12 ÷ 4 = 3
• Exactly one swap between the specified sign pair is applied globally in the expression.
• Use standard arithmetic precedence.

Concept / Approach:
Test each proposed swap by substituting the swapped meanings and evaluating. A quick filter helps: compute the unmodified LHS (it is 26), then see which swap can reduce it to 3 under proper precedence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Unmodified LHS: 5 + (3 × 8) − (12 ÷ 4) = 5 + 24 − 3 = 26 ≠ 3. Try swapping − and ÷ (Option C): the expression becomes 5 + 3 × 8 ÷ 12 − 4. Evaluate ×/÷ left→right: 3 × 8 = 24; 24 ÷ 12 = 2. Now +/−: 5 + 2 − 4 = 3 — this matches the RHS.

Verification / Alternative check:
Other swaps do not yield 3 under standard precedence. For example, swap + and ÷ → 5 ÷ 3 × 8 − 12 + 4 ≈ 5.33; swap + and − → 5 − 24 + 3 = −16; swap + and × → 5 × 3 + 8 − 3 = 20. None equals 3.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They either increase the LHS or produce non-integer values that cannot equal 3 when precedence is honored.

Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring operator precedence or performing substitutions inconsistently across the expression will lead to incorrect checks.

Final Answer:
− and ÷