Let's denote the total length of Josh's hike by \( h \).
Given:
1. Josh has hiked a total of 17 km so far.
2. He is 2 km short of being halfway done with his hike.
From this information, we can set up an equation to find \( h \).
Since Josh is 2 km short of being halfway done, we can express his progress as:
[tex]\[ 17 \, \text{km} = \left( \frac{h}{2} - 2 \, \text{km} \right) \][/tex]
We need to solve for \( h \).
Step-by-step solution:
1. Start by setting up the equation based on the information given:
[tex]\[
17 = \frac{h}{2} - 2
\][/tex]
2. To eliminate the fraction, add 2 to both sides of the equation:
[tex]\[
17 + 2 = \frac{h}{2}
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
19 = \frac{h}{2}
\][/tex]
3. Next, solve for \( h \) by multiplying both sides of the equation by 2:
[tex]\[
19 \times 2 = h
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
h = 38
\][/tex]
Therefore, the total length in kilometers of Josh's hike is [tex]\( \boxed{38} \)[/tex].
