[meyer]

2.... math eggheads would solve the juxtaposed 2(9+3) first. Another way to express this would be (2(9)+2(3)).

You are correct - as I pointed out, the distributive property of multiplication dictates that this is true, since 2(9+3) = (2(9)+2(3))=24

[Tim n Texas]

exactly. If I was using a pencil/paper I would write it like this:

48
——————— =. 2
2(9+3)