Step 1 :The claim represents the alternative hypothesis because it is not a statement of no effect or no difference, but a statement that suggests a difference (the standard deviation is more than 2.7 years).
Step 2 :If we reject the null hypothesis, it means that there is evidence to support the claim that the standard deviation of the life of a certain type of lawn mower is more than 2.7 years.
Step 3 :If we fail to reject the null hypothesis, it means that there is not enough evidence to support the claim that the standard deviation of the life of a certain type of lawn mower is more than 2.7 years. Instead, we believe that the standard deviation is not more than 2.7 years.
Step 4 :Final Answer: The claim represents the \(\boxed{\text{alternative hypothesis}}\). (a) If we reject the null hypothesis, it means that there is evidence to support the claim that the standard deviation of the life of a certain type of lawn mower is more than 2.7 years. (b) If we fail to reject the null hypothesis, it means that there is not enough evidence to support the claim that the standard deviation of the life of a certain type of lawn mower is more than 2.7 years.