Final answer:
The total length of the connected string of lights is 24 yards, obtained by adding the length of the two strings: 8 yards and 16 yards.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find out the total length of the connected string of lights, we need to add the lengths of the individual strings. One string is 8 yards long, and the other string is 16 yards long. The total length of the connected string is:
8 yards + 16 yards = 24 yards
Therefore, the connected string of lights is 24 yards long.