Final answer:
The possible values of the natural number that satisfy the inequality "Five times a natural number decreased by two times the number is less than 12" are 1, 2, or 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Algebraic Inequalities
Let's decode the problem statement: "Five times a certain natural number is decreased by two times the number is less than 12." This can be written as an algebraic inequality: 5n - 2n < 12, where n is the natural number in question. To solve for n, we simplify the equation to get 3n < 12. Dividing both sides by 3 yields n < 4. Since n must be a natural number (a positive integer), the possible values for n are 1, 2, or 3.