It can either be 288, 2, or 8.6666
Peep game:
If we are to abide by the order of operations straight out without taking into account the distributive property that comes into play with 2(9+3), the answer is 288.
48/2(9+3)=
Here we take care of the parenthesis, only. What's juxtaposed on the right or left doesn't matter.
48/2(12)=
Next, we are to divide, since it comes next in the order of operations.
24(12)=
We are to multiply here since it is the last step.
288
If I recall from middle school, we were taught order of operations before we were taught to distribute a monomial that was juxtaposed beside a parenthetical phrase. But since we are past that level of knowledge, we assume we should distribute, even though it was taught later. So, an algebra student who hasn't been exposed to distribution very well may get an answer of 288
If we are to use critical reasoning and include that knowledge that may or may not have been introduced after PEMDAS, we are immediately drawn to the monomial juxtaposed to the parenthetical. It was so paramount in algebra and trigonometry, since there was no way we could pass either if we couldn't distribute. So, taking the parenthetical and everything tied to it into account, the answer becomes different.
48/2(9+3)=
Here, we distribute the parenthesis and solve before moving on.
48/(18+6)=48/(24)
Next, we just divide outright, since it's all we can do.
2.
There is however a third possible answer. If we are to distribute the parenthetical and not solve, since doing so would be addition, which comes later in the order of operations, we would get the following.
48/2(9+3)=
Everything is the same as the previous example in this step, however, once distribution occurs we are left with two monomials that are not joined by a parenthesis
48/18+6=
Now, if we are to follow the order of operations, we divide first and then add.
2.6666+6=
8.6666
In theory, none of these answers are wrong, but it's a sure shot that someone who is just learning PEMDAS, will get 288, assuming they know nothing about distribution. Someone else who has already been exposed to the other method of distribution, will get 2. And those others who were taught that once unlike terms are distributed, the parenthesis is dissolved, will arrive at 8.6666
Any of these questions can be right, depending on both your learning history and how it is phrased on a test.