The problem states that the number 48 is to be increased in the ratio 2:3. This means that 48 corresponds to the '2' part of the ratio, and we need to find the number corresponding to the '3' part.

The problem states that the number 48 is to be increased in the ratio $2:3$. This means that 48 corresponds to the '2' part of the ratio, and we need to find the number corresponding to the '3' part.
We can write this as:

$$2:3 = 48:n$$

To find the value of $n$, we first determine what factor was used to change 2 into 48.

$$\text{Factor} = \frac{48}{2} = 24$$

Now, multiply the second part of the ratio (3) by the same factor to find $n$.

$$n = 3 \times 24 = 72$$

The increased number is 72.

The increased number is $\text{72}$.