jmc

First we begin by solving the system of equations $$\begin{array}{rl}3+a& =4-b,\\ 4+b& =7+a.\end{array}$$Adding the two equations, we get $3+a+4+b=4-b+7+a$, which simplifies to $7+a+b=11+a-b$. Cancelling $a$ from both sides, we get $7+b=11-b$. Solving for $b$, we find that $b=2$. Plugging this into the first equation above, we obtain $3+a=4-2$. Hence $a=-1$ and $3-a=\boxed{4}$.