To solve the problem, we begin by representing the unknown number with a variable, denoting it as \( x \). The phrase "five more than four times a number" can be mathematically expressed as \( 4x + 5 \). Given that this expression is less than 25, we can formulate the inequality:
\[ 4x + 5 < 25 \]
To isolate the term containing \( x \), we will subtract 5 from both sides of the inequality:
\[ 4x < 20 \]
Next, we divide both sides by 4 in order to solve for \( x \):
\[ x < 5 \]
Thus, the solution indicates that the possible values of \( x \) encompass all numbers that are less than 5. Consequently, \( x \) can take on values such as 4, 3, 2, 1, or any negative number; indeed, it can assume any value that is less than 5.