To model the situation, we need to use the formula for the area of a triangle, which is given by:
\[ \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height} \]
In this case, we are given the following:
- The base of the triangle is \( x \) feet.
- The height of the triangle is \( 5x - 2 \) feet (since it is 2 less than 5 times the base).
- The area of the triangle is 12 square feet.
Now, we can substitute the values into the area formula:
\[ 12 = \frac{1}{2} \times x \times (5x - 2) \]
To eliminate the fraction, we can multiply both sides by 2:
\[ 24 = x \times (5x - 2) \]
Now, distribute \( x \):
\[ 24 = 5x^2 - 2x \]
Rearranging this equation gives us:
\[ 5x^2 - 2x - 24 = 0 \]
Thus, the equation that models the situation is:
\[ 5x^2 - 2x - 24 = 0 \]