1. The problem asks to find the factored form equivalent to the expression $$3x^2 - 48$$. 2. First, identify the greatest common factor (GCF) of the terms. Here, the GCF is 3. 3. Factor out the GCF 3: $$3x^2 - 48 = 3(x^2 - 16)$$ 4. Recognize that $$x^2 - 16$$ is a difference of squares, which factors as: $$a^2 - b^2 = (a + b)(a - b)$$ 5. Apply the difference of squares formula: $$x^2 - 16 = (x + 4)(x - 4)$$ 6. Substitute back: $$3(x + 4)(x - 4)$$ 7. Therefore, the factored form equivalent to $$3x^2 - 48$$ is $$3(x + 4)(x - 4)$$.