The answer is definitely 288!

48÷2(9+3) is the same as 48 ÷ 2 x (9 + 3). It appears we all agree the first step is to add 9 + 3 making the expression 48 ÷ 2(12) or 48 ÷ 2 x 12. The parenthesis around the 12 are nothing more than another way of indicating multiplication. According to order of operations, once the exponents and parenthesis are gone you do multiplication/division from the left to right. That means 48 ÷ 2 first and then multiplying that quotient by 12. As beergut mentioned, the only reason to do 2 x 12 first would be if there were another set of parenthesis: 48 ÷ (2(9+3)).

 

WOW, i said 288 the first time too. LOL

Good one FB

 

Too bad I can't remember more from my 4 years of algebra. I used to be good at it.