A puzzle of balance

Question

What's the seven-letter answer I'm looking for?

Answer 1

The seven-letter answer is:

YIN-YANG

Because what we have been provided with here is:

a template and instructions for how to draw the yin-yang symbol from Chinese philosophy:

To follow these instructions:

First, number the seven red dots from top to bottom as 1 to 7, and interpret 'Centre of c' as 'Centre of circle'.

Now, for each of the 5 lines of instructions, draw circles which pass through the two numbered points listed, with the circle's centre positioned exactly halfway between them (i.e. the two points fall at opposite ends of a diameter of the circle). Where a 'subtraction' instruction is listed to the right of the table, remove that section of the circle.

Let's do this, then:

Circle 1-7:



Circle 1-4:



- left 1/2:



Circle 2-3:



Circle 4-7:



- right 1/2:



Circle 5-6:

Finally:

Colour areas containing a 'W' white, and areas containing a 'B' black, and the symbol is complete!

The title is relevant here because:

Yin and yang are a Chinese philosophical concept describing interconnected opposing forces. The two halves of the symbol exist in perfect balance, with the two colours appearing as equal-sized interlocking shapes.