Answer:
b. 3:00 PM central time; 4:00 PM eastern time; on the 3rd Friday of the expiration month
Step-by-step explanation:
The last time to TRADE AN EQUITY OPTION THAT IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE IS: 3:00 PM CENTRAL TIME, 4:00 PM EASTERN TIME and on the 3rd FRIDAY OF THE EXPIRATION MONTH reason been that any EQUITY OPTION contract that exceed the EXPIRE DATE will be INVALID which is why it is of Paramount to TRADE AN EQUITY OPTIONS before the expiration date in order for the TRADED EQUITY OPTIONS to be VALID.
Therefore last time to trade an equity option that is about to expire is:
3:00 PM central time
4:00 PM eastern time
3rd Friday of the expiration month.