1. The problem asks us to insert brackets in the expression $4 \times 3 + 9 = 48$ so that the expression equals 48. 2. The original expression is $4 \times 3 + 9$. 3. We want to find a way to group the numbers with brackets to make the expression equal to 48. 4. Let's try grouping $3 + 9$ first: $$4 \times (3 + 9)$$ 5. Calculate inside the brackets: $$3 + 9 = 12$$ 6. Now multiply: $$4 \times 12 = 48$$ 7. This satisfies the equation: $$4 \times (3 + 9) = 48$$ 8. Therefore, the correct placement of brackets is: $$4 \times (3 + 9) = 48$$