This is not an algebraic equation. An algebraic equation would include at least one variable. There is not a variable in sight. Thus, the distributive property of multiplication will not be used and order of operations would be followed.
Thus... 48/2(9+3) = 48/2*(9+3)
By order of operations...
48/2*(12)
24*12 = 288
I don't understand how all of you who are changing a division symbol to a modern calculator slash symbol are thinking. It was NOT written with a slash it WAS written with a division symbol which separates the problem into what is before the symbol and what is after the symbol. Do all the math on either side of the symbol AND THEN do the division.
The answer IS 2 and you will never convince me otherwise.
Just a dumb old man here...