Twice the sum of a number and 4 is less than 12

Twice the sum of a number and 4 is less than 12 can be written as:

2 (x + 4) < 12

Of course it can be also solved:

2 (x + 4) < 12
2 * x + 2 * 4 < 12
2x + 8 < 12                   / - 8 (both sides)
2x < 4                          / ÷ 2 (both sides)
x < 2

So the number we're looking for should be less than 2.

Let the number be x.
2*(x +4) < 12

2x+8 < 12
2x    < 12-8
2x < 4    Divide both sides by 2.

x < 4/2
x< 2.  Therefore the number is less than 2.