I think the answer is 2. The 2(9+3) is, I believe, a notation that the 2 was factored out the 9+3. So, I think we’d factor the 2 back in before doing the division. 2(9+3) is the same as (18+6).
and to think that I had to learn this stuff BEFORE Calculators.. well..there were calculators..but they could not answer this question and cost $300.
Although we WERE allowed to use ...SLIDE RULES ... (runs for cover)