Let's solve the problem step by step.

The problem states:

"26 less than the product of 5 and a number is 69."

Let's represent the unknown number as $x$.

1. Translate the problem into an equation:

   The product of 5 and the number is $5x$.

   26 less than $5x$ can be written as $5x - 26$.

   According to the problem, this expression equals 69:

   $5x - 26 = 69$

2. Solve the equation:

   Add 26 to both sides to eliminate the constant term on the left side:

   $5x = 69 + 26$

   $5x = 95$

   Now, divide both sides by 5 to solve for $x$:

   $x = \frac{95}{5}$

   $x = 19$

So, the number is 19.

Would you like more details or have any questions about this solution?

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Here are 5 related questions to consider:

1. What is the result if the phrase "26 less than the product of 5 and a number" were changed to "26 more than the product of 5 and a number"?
2. How would the solution change if the problem stated that 26 less than the product of 3 and a number is 69?
3. What would be the result if the number was represented as a fraction instead of an integer?
4. How can you verify the solution by substituting the value back into the original problem?
5. How would the equation change if instead of 26, the number subtracted was a variable $y$?

Tip: When translating word problems into equations, identify keywords that indicate mathematical operations, such as "product," "less than," and "equals."