*Joe is ___ yrs. *James is ___yrs.

Let j = Joe's current age

m = James' current age

j = m + 10 (equation 1)

In 8 years:

Joe's age = j + 8

James' age = m + 8

In 8 years:

2(j + 8) = 3(m + 8) (equation 2)

Substitute the value for j from equation 1 into equation 2:

2(m + 10 + 8) = 3(m + 8)

Combine terms in the parenthesis on the left:

2(m + 18) = 3(m + 8)

Distribute the 2 on the left and the 3 on the right:

2m + 36 = 3m + 24

Subtract 2m from both sides:

36 = m + 24

Subtract 24 from both sides:

12 = m

James' current age is 12.

Substitute this value for m into equation 1:

j = m + 10

j = 12 + 10

j = 22