One number is 2 less than a second number. twice the second number is 16 more than 4 times the first. find the two numbers.

Let the numbers be x and y

x = y-2 ... (1)

and, 2y = 16 + 4x ... (2)

putting the value of x from (1) in (2),

2y = 16 + 4x

=> 2y = 16 + 4 (y-2)

=> 2y = 16 + 4y - 8

=> 2y = 8 + 4y

=> 2y - 4y = 8

=> - 2y = 8

=> y = - 8/2

=> y = - 4

and x = - 4-2 = - 6

hence, in short the numbers are - 2 and - 4