Answer: -16 < x < 12
Step-by-step explanation:
x = some unknown number
"A number less than 12" translates to x < 12
This number x is also more than -16, so x > -16 which is the same as -16 < x
Combine -16 < x with x < 12 to end up with -16 < x < 12
x is between -16 and 12, excluding both endpoints.
A number line diagram might help picture what is going on.