Choose the inequality that matches this situation

To determine the inequality that represents the situation, we need to set up an expression for the total cost from both companies and establish when Company A's charges are less than those of Company B.

1. Cost from Company A: The total cost is $312 for the siding plus $12 for each window. If we represent the number of windows as \(w\), the cost is: \[ Cost_A = 312 + 12w \]

2. Cost from Company B: Company B charges $36 per window, and this price includes the siding, so the total cost is: \[ Cost_B = 36w \]

Now, we want to find when Company A's cost is less than Company B's cost. Therefore, we need to set up the inequality: \[ 312 + 12w < 36w \]

Now, let's analyze the provided options:

1. 312 - 12w > 36w

   This is not correct since it's not in the form we've established.

2. 312 + 12w < 36w

   This matches our inequality.

3. 12w + 36w > 312

   This simplifies to \(48w > 312\), which is not the same as what we are looking for.

4. 36w - 12w < 312

   This simplifies to \(24w < 312\), which is not the right form.

Hence, the correct inequality that represents the situation is: \[ \boxed{312 + 12w < 36w} \]