You mis-stated the original problem. There was no multiplication sign in the original problem. 2(9 + 3) is one number and that number is 24.
48 ÷ 2(9 + 3) =
48 + 24 = 2
You must use the distributive property prior to division. The 2 is distributed to the 9 and 3.
No reason for you to not accept the obvious.
Where is the rule stated that you must use the distributive property?
Can’t you add 9 and 3 together? That resolves what is inside the parentheses. Then you go on to division and multiplication.