Final answer:
The values of a and b in the equation are a = 0 and b = -14.25, which is obtained by simplifying the left side of the equation to match the standard form y = ax + b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The values of a and b in the equation -5(2.5 + 1.75) + 7 = ax + b can be determined by simplifying the left side of the equation and then matching it to the standard form y = ax + b. Simplifying -5(2.5 + 1.75) + 7 yields -5(4.25) + 7, which is -21.25 + 7, and that simplifies further to -14.25. Thus, the equation becomes y = -14.25 which can be written as y = 0x - 14.25 when compared to the standard form y = ax + b. Hence, a = 0 and b = -14.25.