Answer:
(A)6 kilometers
Explanation:
First, we determine the value of a using Pythagoras Theorem.
![Hypotenuse^2=Opposite^2+Adjacent^2\\17^2=a^2+15^2\\a^2=17^2-15^2\\a^2=289-225\\a^2=64\\a^2=8^2\\a=8$ km](https://img.qammunity.org/2021/formulas/mathematics/college/68z9nzh908b6dka2tt1thhak229ql28lj3.png)
Therefore:
Distance along the long route = 8 + 15 =23 km
Distance along the shortcut =17 km
Difference =23-17 =6km
Therefore, Mr. Jones bikes 6km less when he takes the shortcut instead of the long route.