When rounding a decimal number to the nearest whole number, the general rule is to look at the digit in the tenths place. If that digit is 5 or greater, you round up to the next whole number. If it is less than 5, you round down.
In this case, 7.6 has a 6 in the tenths place, which is greater than 5. Therefore, you round 7.6 up to 8. This rounding process results in 8 being the nearest whole number to 7.6.
Thus, the correct answer is 8, as rounding rules clearly state that a 6 in the tenths position leads to rounding up from 7 to 8.