To determine the greatest possible error for the measurement of 17 inches, we typically use the concept of significant figures. The number "17" has two significant figures, which often suggests that the measurement could be ±0.5 (or a value that reflects half the smallest unit).
However, if no specific context is given, we can deduce that the most common greatest possible error might be a fraction of the smallest unit measured.
Given the options:
A. 1.0 in. - This is too large for a typical measurement error. B. 0.25 in. - This is reasonable but may not be the most common choice. C. 0.1 in. - This is quite small, given the significant digits. D. 0.5 in. - This is a reasonable estimate for a measurement with two significant figures.
Based on the reasoning above, D. 0.5 in. is the greatest possible error that corresponds to the way measurements are generally rounded.
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