can someone tell me why "as" is right in answer C)?

i am a bit confused because i chose b. i know that like is used to compare simliar things and "as" for things with simliar action or function.

Teachers in this country have generally been trained either to approach mathematics like a creative activity or that they should force students to memorize rules and principles without truly understanding how to apply them.

a) to approach mathematics like a creative activity or that they should force students to memorize rules and principles
b) to approach mathematics like a creative activity or to force students to memorize rules and principles
c) to approach mathematics as a creative activity or to force students to memorize rules and principles
d) that they should approach mathematics as a creative activity or to force students to memorize rules and principles
e) that they should approach mathematics like a creative activity or that they should force students to memorize rules and principles