To determine when Veeru's and Joy's investment balances will equalize, we define \( x \) as the number of years after Veeru's investment. Consequently:
Veeru's investment duration = \( x \) years
Joy's investment duration = \( x-2 \) years
The balances accrue with simple interest, calculated as follows:
Veeru's balance = Principal + Interest = \( 10000 + 10000 \times \frac{5}{100} \times x = 10000 + 500x \)
Joy's balance = Principal + Interest = \( 8000 + 8000 \times \frac{10}{100} \times (x-2) = 8000 + 800(x-2) = 8000 + 800x - 1600 = 6400 + 800x \)
Equating Veeru's and Joy's balances yields:
\[ 10000 + 500x = 6400 + 800x \]
Simplifying the equation:
\[ 10000 - 6400 = 800x - 500x \]
\[ 3600 = 300x \]
\[ x = \frac{3600}{300} \]
\[ x = 12 \]
The investment balances will be equal 12 years after Veeru's initial investment.