Method 1
Let the smaller number be y,
then the greater number is (y+2)
y+(y+2)=46
y+y+2=46
2y+2=46
2y=44
y=22
Therefore the smaller number is 22, then the greater number is 22+2=24
Method 2
Let the greater number be y,
then the smaller number is (y-2)
y+(y-2)=46
y+y-2=46
2y-2=46
2y=48
y=24
Therefore the greater number is 24, then the smaller number is 24-2=22
Method 3
Let the smaller number be x and the greater number be y
y=x+2.....(1)
x+y=46.....(2)
Sub (1) into (2)
x+2+x=46
2x+2=46
2x=44
x=22
Therefore the smaller number is 22, then the greater number is 22+2=24
Check:
22 and 24 are 2 consecutive even numbers.
22+24=46
Therefore the answer is right.