The sum of two numbers is 6. two less than three times the smaller is equal to the larger

So... let's say, we have two numbers "a" and "b",
"a" is the smaller one, "b" is the larger one
so, their sum is 6
a + b = 6

3 times the smaller => 3 * a or 3a
now, two less than that
3a - 2

that equals the larger "b"

3a - 2 = b
 

solve for "a",

now, what's "b"?  well, 3a - 2 = b :)