Maths-mechanics

Some hints:
What is a tension? (Sigma = F/A)
actio=reactio
F=m*a

How far did you get? Have you drawn it yet?

I can't seem to solve this question

A mass of 10 kg lies on a smooth horizontal table. It is connected by a light inextensible string passing over a smooth pulley at one side of the table to a mass of 8 kg that hangs freely. The 10 kg mass is also connected by light inextensible string passing over a smooth pulley at the opposite edge of the table to a mass of 5 kg that hangs freely also.

If the system is released from rest, find the acceleration of the system and the tensions in the strings.

Thanks in advance

Think about this in more detail. The 8kg mass that hangs freely will accelerate downwards due to gravity, This is connected to the 10 kg mass which will then be pulled towards the pulley because of the 8kg mass is accelerating downwards.

I recommend you watch this video here
It's not quite the same example you have but the principal is exactly the same.

P.S Bear in mind that because the 10kg is sitting on a smooth table there will be no frictional forces.

8g-T=8a...1 T-1/4R=10a ...2 R-10g=0Equation 1 2 a=2.994