1. First, convert everything to the same unit (meters). 2. 48 meters 55 cm can be written as $$48 + \frac{55}{100} = 48.55$$ meters. 3. 17 meters 15 cm can be written as $$17 + \frac{15}{100} = 17.15$$ meters. 4. Now subtract the two values: $$48.55 - 17.15 = 31.4$$ meters. 5. Convert the result back to meters and centimeters: $$31.4$$ meters is 31 meters and $$0.4 \times 100 = 40$$ cm. 6. Final answer: 31 meters 40 cm.