Final answer:
Josh's first number can be either 7 or 12, as they do not coincide with Ana's sequence when counted by 1. However, 7 is the more likely choice, as it is a whole number that is not 8 and does not follow Ana's counting pattern. Option A is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks for a possible starting number for Josh who counts by a whole number, ensuring it is not 8 and does not match Ana's sequence of counting by 5s.
Considering Josh's first number cannot be 8 or any number in Ana's sequence (8, 13, 18), we can safely say b) 10 and d) 15 cannot be Josh's first numbers as they will eventually coincide with Ana's sequence if he were to count by 1, which is a whole number.
Between option a) 7 and c) 12, Josh can start with either one as both these numbers when counted by any whole number sequence will not intersect with 8, 13 or 18 specifically when Josh counts by 1.
Although there is no restriction provided that Josh cannot count by 5s, we assume based on the question asking for a 'whole number other than 8,' that the counting sequence should also differ from Ana's, making 7 the more likely choice. Therefore, a) 7 could be Josh's first number.