To find the perimeter of a figure made up of 17 squares, each with a side length of 4 cm, we first need to determine the arrangement of the squares, as the perimeter will depend on how the squares are connected.
If the 17 squares are arranged in a straight line, the length of the arrangement will be \( 17 \times 4 \) cm. The perimeter (P) in that case would be:
\[ P = 2(\text{length} + \text{width}) = 2(17 \times 4 + 4) = 2(68 + 4) = 2 \times 72 = 144 \text{ cm} \]
If the squares are arranged in a more compact form (like a rectangle), the perimeter would vary accordingly based on the dimensions of the rectangle formed.
For example, if the squares are arranged in a shape of roughly a rectangle that is close to 4 squares wide and 5 squares tall (which still accommodates all 17 squares), the width would be \(4 \times 4 = 16\) cm and the height would be \(5 \times 4 = 20\) cm. The perimeter would then be:
\[ P = 2(\text{length} + \text{width}) = 2(20 + 16) = 2 \times 36 = 72 \text{ cm} \]
So depending on the shape made by the 17 squares, the perimeter can change. If you can provide a specific arrangement or shape, I can provide a more precise answer. However, if you simply need the perimeter assuming a line or compact arrangement, the values are as shown above.