1. **State the problem:** We need to find two whole numbers whose squares are closest to 7.9. 2. **Recall the concept:** The square of a whole number $n$ is $n^2$. We want to find whole numbers $a$ and $b$ such that $a^2$ and $b^2$ are closest to 7.9. 3. **Check squares of whole numbers near $\sqrt{7.9}$:** - Calculate $\sqrt{7.9} \approx 2.81$. - The whole numbers near 2.81 are 2 and 3. 4. **Calculate their squares:** - $2^2 = 4$ - $3^2 = 9$ 5. **Compare distances to 7.9:** - Distance from 4 to 7.9 is $7.9 - 4 = 3.9$ - Distance from 9 to 7.9 is $9 - 7.9 = 1.1$ 6. **Conclusion:** The two whole numbers whose squares are closest to 7.9 are 2 and 3. **Final answer:** 2 and 3