Answer
yes
Work Step by Step
Use the Pythagorean Theorem to determine whether the given lengths can be the sides of a right triangle. The sides of a right triangle will always satisfy the expression $a^2+b^2=c^2$. The hypotenuse, represented by c, will always the be longest side. The legs, a and b, will be the two shorter lengths.
$a^2+b^2=c^2\longrightarrow$ substitute the given lengths
$8^2+15^2\overset?=17^2\longrightarrow$ simplify exponents
$64+225\overset?=289\longrightarrow$ add
$289=289\checkmark$
