1. **State the problem:** We know that $x$ is 25% less than $y$. Given $x=17$, we want to find $y$. 2. **Understand the relationship:** Saying $x$ is 25% less than $y$ means: $$x = y - 0.25y = 0.75y$$ 3. **Write the formula:** $$x = 0.75y$$ 4. **Solve for $y$:** $$y = \frac{x}{0.75}$$ 5. **Substitute $x=17$:** $$y = \frac{17}{0.75}$$ 6. **Simplify the fraction:** $$y = \frac{17}{\cancel{0.75}} \times \frac{\cancel{1}}{1} = \frac{17}{0.75}$$ 7. **Calculate the value:** $$y = 22.666\ldots$$ **Final answer:** $$y = \frac{68}{3} \approx 22.67$$