Step 1: Understanding the ATP requirements in C\(_3\) and C\(_4\) plants.
C\(_3\) plants require 18 molecules of ATP to synthesize one molecule of glucose. C\(_4\) plants, due to their additional mechanism for carbon fixation (C\(_4\) cycle), require more ATP for the same process. Typically, C\(_4\) plants require 30 ATP equivalents to synthesize one glucose molecule.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) 30, as C\(_4\) plants require 30 ATP equivalents to synthesize one glucose molecule.