The research took 6/12=<<6/12=.5>>.5 years

So it took 2+.5=<<2.5=2.5>>2.5 years for the first artifact

It takes 2.5*3=<<2.5*3=7.5>>7.5 years for the second

So in total it took 2.5+7.5=<<2.5+7.5=10>>10 years to find both

# Answer

10
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
James decides to try and collect rare artifacts in the field.  He spends 6 months researching before going on a 2-year-long expedition for his first find.  The second artifact takes 3 times as long for the research and discovery.  How long did it take him to find both?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
10
James decides to try and collect rare artifacts in the field.  He spends 6 months researching before going on a 2-year-long expedition for his first find.  The second artifact takes 3 times as long for the research and discovery.  How long did it take him to find both?
train