Final answer:
The set of possible smaller numbers includes every number less than or equal to 149, since the difference with 245 must be less than 96.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking us to find the possible smaller numbers when given that the difference between two numbers is less than 96 and the larger number is 245. To find the range of possible smaller numbers, we subtract the given difference from the larger number. So, we calculate 245 - 96 = 149.
Any number less than or equal to 149 would satisfy the condition that its difference with 245 is less than 96. Therefore, the set of possible smaller numbers includes every number less than or equal to 149.