, 2014

In the table below, each of the five expressions is evaluated using the correct order of operations.

Expression
Value

(A) $3-4\times5+6$
$3-20+6=-17+6=-11$

(B) $3\times4+5\div6$
$12+5\div6=12+\frac 56=12\frac 56$

(C) $3+4\times5-6$
$3+20-6=23-6=17$

(D) $3\div4+5-6$
$\frac 34+5-6=5\frac 34 -6=\frac{23}{4}-\frac{24}{4}=-\frac 14$

(E) $3\times4\div5+6$
$12\div5+6=\frac{12}{5}+6=2\frac 25+6=8\frac 25$

The only expression that is equal to 17 is $3+4\times5-6$, or (C).