the 2 consecutive even whole numbers can be written as

2k and 2k + 2, where k is an integer

their product is 168

2k(2k + 2) = 168

by solving the equation we find two roots

k1 = 6

k2 = -7

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for k = 6 we have

2k = 2*6 = 12

2k + 2 = 14

the two numbers are 12 and 14 (indeed 12*14 = 168).

for k = -7 we have

2k = 2(-7) = -14

2k + 2 = -12

the two numbers are -12 and -14 (indeed (-12)*(-14) = 168).