1. We are asked to simplify the fraction $\frac{17}{34}$. 2. The formula for simplifying fractions is to divide numerator and denominator by their greatest common divisor (GCD). 3. Find the GCD of 17 and 34. Since 17 is a prime number and 34 = 2 \times 17, the GCD is 17. 4. Divide numerator and denominator by 17: $$\frac{\cancel{17}}{\cancel{34}} = \frac{1}{2}$$ 5. So, $\frac{17}{34} = \frac{1}{2}$. This is the simplified form of the first fraction.