Choice B is the correct answer. Let $E$ = Emma's current age and $J$ = Jake's current age.

Step 1: Set up the system: $\begin{cases} E = J + 8 \\ (E + 5) + (J + 5) = 36 \end{cases}$

Step 2: Simplify second equation: $E + J + 10 = 36$$E + J = 26$

Step 3: Substitute $E = J + 8$: $(J + 8) + J = 26$$2J + 8 = 26$$2J = 18$$J = 9$

Step 4: Find $E$: $E = 9 + 8 = 17$

Solution: Emma is 17 years old now (Jake is 9)

Verification: Emma is 8 years older ✓. In 5 years: $(17+5) + (9+5) = 22 + 14 = 36$ ✓

💡 Strategic Tip: Age problems: age difference stays constant over time.

Choice A is incorrect because if Emma is 15, Jake is 7. In 5 years: $20 + 12 = 32 \ eq 36$.

Choice C is incorrect because if Emma is 18, Jake is 10. In 5 years: $23 + 15 = 38 \ eq 36$.

Choice D is incorrect because if Emma is 20, Jake is 12. In 5 years: $25 + 17 = 42 \ eq 36$.