Solution: Let $ x $ be the number of successful tasks in the additional 10 attempts. Initially, successful tasks = $ 0.85 imes 40 = 34 $. Total tasks after 10 more = $ 50 $. Total successful tasks = $ 34 + x $. New success rate: $ rac34 + x50 = 0.88 $. Solving: $ 34 + x = 44 $, so $ x = 10 $.