Answer:

71.26°C.

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To find the thermometer reading, we need to add the temperature difference to the boiling point of water.

Let's assume the boiling point of water is 100°C.

The temperature shown on the thermometer is 28.74°C lower than the boiling point of water.

Thermometer reading = Boiling point of water - Temperature difference

Thermometer reading = 100°C - 28.74°C

Thermometer reading ≈ 71.26°C

Therefore, the thermometer reading is approximately 71.26°C.