1. **State the problem:** Solve the inequality $$5x + 7 < 26$$ and find the solution set for $$x$$. 2. **Formula and rules:** To solve a two-step inequality, first isolate the variable term by undoing addition or subtraction, then undo multiplication or division. Remember, when dividing or multiplying by a negative number, reverse the inequality sign. 3. **Step 1: Subtract 7 from both sides** $$5x + 7 - 7 < 26 - 7$$ $$5x < 19$$ 4. **Step 2: Divide both sides by 5** $$\frac{\cancel{5}x}{\cancel{5}} < \frac{19}{5}$$ $$x < \frac{19}{5}$$ 5. **Simplify the fraction** $$x < 3.8$$ 6. **Interpretation:** The solution means all values of $$x$$ less than 3.8 satisfy the inequality. **Final answer:** $$x < 3.8$$