Let Harish's two sons' present ages be \( x \) and \( y \). The sum of their ages is \( x + y \).
According to the problem:
1. Harish's present age (\( H \)) is 8 times the sum of his sons' ages: \( H = 8(x + y) \).
2. In 8 years, Harish's age (\( H + 8 \)) will be twice the sum of his sons' ages (who will be \( x + 8 \) and \( y + 8 \)): \( H + 8 = 2((x + 8) + (y + 8)) \), which simplifies to \( H + 8 = 2(x + y + 16) \).
Solve the equations:
From Equation (1): \( H = 8(x + y) \).
Substitute \( H \) into Equation (2): \( 8(x + y) + 8 = 2(x + y + 16) \).
Expand and simplify:
\( 8(x + y) + 8 = 2x + 2y + 32 \)
\( 8x + 8y + 8 = 2x + 2y + 32 \)
Rearrange terms: \( 8x + 8y - 2x - 2y = 32 - 8 \)
\( 6x + 6y = 24 \)
Divide by 6: \( x + y = 4 \).
Substitute \( x + y = 4 \) back into the first equation: \( H = 8(x + y) = 8 \times 4 = 32 \).
Therefore, Harish's present age is 32 years.