Final answer:
The expression that shows the greatest common factor (GCF) of (48 + 12) using the distributive property is 3(16 + 4), which simplifies to 60.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest common factor (GCF) of 48 + 12 can be found by applying the distributive property to each of the given expressions and determining which one simplifies to the same value as 48 + 12. Let's go through each option:
a) 3(16 + 4) = 3(20) = 60
b) 6(8 + 2) = 6(10) = 60
c) 12(4 + 1) = 12(5) = 60
d) 2(12 + 6) = 2(18) = 36
Out of these options, the expression that shows the greatest common factor (GCF) of 48 + 12 is a) 3(16 + 4), which simplifies to 60.