1. **Stating the problem:** We are given a circle with radius $r = 17$ cm. We want to find the area of the circle. 2. **Formula used:** The area $A$ of a circle is given by the formula: $$A = \pi r^2$$ where $\pi \approx 3.14$ and $r$ is the radius. 3. **Calculate the area:** Substitute $r = 17$ cm and $\pi = 3.14$ into the formula: $$A = 3.14 \times 17^2$$ 4. **Simplify:** Calculate $17^2$: $$17^2 = 289$$ So, $$A = 3.14 \times 289$$ 5. **Multiply:** $$A = 907.46$$ 6. **Conclusion:** The area of the circle is approximately $907.46$ cm$^2$.