Concept: The question tests on the fundamentals of Exponents.

Solution:

Let the value be “x” times the value of 2(−17)

Then 1/5(2-14 + 2-15 + 2-16 + 2-17)   = x*2-17  

Thus, x =   1/5(2-14 + 2-15 + 2-16 + 2-17)   / 2-17  

=  2 17   *  1/5( 2-14 + 2-15  +  2-16  + 2-17)      [As 2-17   is    1/217   

= (23+22+21+20)/5  

=15/5 = 3 (option C)