To solve the inequality \( 5x < 12 \), we first isolate \( x \) by dividing both sides of the inequality by 5:
\[ x < \frac{12}{5} \]
Now, we can convert the improper fraction \( \frac{12}{5} \) into a mixed number.
- Divide 12 by 5, which equals 2 with a remainder of 2. So, we have: \[ 12 \div 5 = 2 \quad \text{(whole number)} \] \[ 12 - (5 \times 2) = 12 - 10 = 2 \quad \text{(remainder)} \]
Thus, \( \frac{12}{5} \) as a mixed number is:
\[ 2 \frac{2}{5} \]
Now, we can write the inequality with \( x \) first:
\[ x < 2 \frac{2}{5} \]
So the final answer is:
\[ x < 2 \frac{2}{5} \]