I need help with stepson and his anger

I want to know what to do or how to help my stepson (10 yrs old) he gets very angry when ask to do regular things like study spelling words, picking up clothes, brushing his teeth etc... me and my husband got custody of kids due to their moms neglect...In the past James has tried to throw hot coffee on me, threatens his brother by telling him he will get a knife and kill him, hits the walls, makes holes on the closet doors and hit me (just yesterday).. they just came back from their mom and the mom was hit by james as well and showed same behaviors... Me and my husband have a healthy relationship where there is no hitting no disrespecting etc... My concern is that James is getting bigger and strong and when angry is dangerous and y get scared he will do something else as his anger has been increasing thru the years..hope someone reply to my question

[margypops]

This is typical stepchild/steparent behavior we see it a lot,I gather the other child/children are yours. so could it be possible that he would feel left out...? I suggest to you that this child could use some counselling, I would take him to the doctor ...and maybe walk in his shoes .;..