Answer: \( a = 98^\circ \)
Explanation: For two triangles to be similar, they must have the same angles. Triangle 1 has angles of \(34^\circ\), \(48^\circ\), and \(98^\circ\) (since the sum of angles in a triangle is \(180^\circ\)). Triangle 2 has angles \(34^\circ\), \(a^\circ\), and another angle. To refute Jennifer’s claim, \(a\) must be \(98^\circ\) to match the third angle of Triangle 1.
Steps:
- Sum of Angles in a Triangle: The sum of the angles in any triangle is \(180^\circ\).
- Calculate Third Angle of Triangle 1:
So, the angles of Triangle 1 are \(34^\circ\), \(48^\circ\), and \(98^\circ\).
- Determine Condition for Similarity:
- Triangle 2 has an angle of \(34^\circ\) and \(a^\circ\).
- For similarity, the third angle must be \(180^\circ - 34^\circ - a^\circ\).
- Set Condition for Similarity:
- To be similar, Triangle 2 must have angles \(34^\circ\), \(a^\circ\), and the third angle that matches Triangle 1’s \(98^\circ\).
- Therefore, \(a = 98^\circ\).
Thus, setting \(a = 98^\circ\) will make Triangle 2 similar to Triangle 1, refuting Jennifer’s claim.