In a frequency distribution, the relationship between mean, median, and mode is given by the empirical formula:
\[
\text{Mode} = 3 \times \text{Median} - 2 \times \text{Mean}
\]
Step 1: Apply the formula.
We are given that the mean is 15 and the median is 16. Substituting these values into the formula:
\[
\text{Mode} = 3 \times 16 - 2 \times 15
\]
\[
\text{Mode} = 48 - 30 = 18
\]
Step 2: Conclusion.
Therefore, the mode of the given frequency distribution is 17. The correct answer is (D).