To carry 17 objects, three at a time, it takes 17/3 = 5 and 2/3 loads.

This calculation means that she takes 5 trips carrying 3 objects per trip, and then she takes one additional trip carrying only two objects.

Thus, in reality, she takes 5 + 1 = <<5+1=6>>6 trips to the surface.

# Answer

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<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Gretchen is a scuba diver.  She likes to hunt for treasure on the ocean's floor, but when she finds something to keep, she must carry it back to the surface of the water to give it to her shipmate on the boat.  She can only carry 3 objects at a time while she swims underwater.  If she finds 17 objects underwater, what is the fewest number of trips to the surface of the water she must take to carry all 17 objects to the boat?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
6
Gretchen is a scuba diver.  She likes to hunt for treasure on the ocean's floor, but when she finds something to keep, she must carry it back to the surface of the water to give it to her shipmate on the boat.  She can only carry 3 objects at a time while she swims underwater.  If she finds 17 objects underwater, what is the fewest number of trips to the surface of the water she must take to carry all 17 objects to the boat?
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