Final answer:
The student's math problem involves finding two numbers that sum to zero, where one is seven less than the other. By setting up an equation with x as one number and x-7 as the other, we solve to find x = 3.5 and, consequently, the other number is -3.5.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about a mathematical problem where two numbers have a sum of zero, and one number is seven less than the other. To find the numbers, we can use algebraic expressions. Let one number be x. Since the other number is seven less, it can be represented as x - 7. According to the conditions given, the sum of these two numbers is zero, so:
x + (x - 7) = 0
Simplifying this equation gives us:
2x - 7 = 0
Adding 7 to both sides of the equation, we get:
2x = 7
Dividing both sides of the equation by 2, we get:
x = 3.5
So, the first number is 3.5, and the second number, being seven less, is -3.5. As expected, these two numbers add up to zero, which verifies the original condition.