48 (forty-eight) is the natural number following 47 and preceding 49. It is one third of a gross, or four dozen.
In mathematics
48 is a highly composite number, and a Størmer number.
By a classical result of Honsberger, the number of incongruent integer-sided triangles of perimeter <math>m</math> is given by the equations <math>\tfrac {m^2}{48}</math> for even <math>m</math>, and <math>\tfrac{(m+3)^2}{48}</math> for odd <math>m</math>.
48 is the order of full octahedral symmetry, which describes three-dimensional mirror symmetries associated with the regular octahedron and cube.
There are 48 symmetries of a cube.
In other fields
Forty-eight may also refer to:
- In Chinese numerology, 48 is an auspicious number meaning 'determined to prosper', or simply 'prosperity', which is good for business.
- '48 is a slang term in Palestinian Arabic for parts of Israel or Palestine not under the control of the State of Palestine. Arab people from those parts are colloquially known as 48-Arabs ().