Ed found 7 shells + 2 shells + 4 shells = <<7+2+4=13>>13 shells at the beach.

Jacob found 13 shells + 2 shells = <<13+2=15>>15 shells at the beach.

In total Ed and Jacob have 2 shells + 13 shells + 15 shells = <<2+13+15=30>>30 shells.

# Answer

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<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Ed and Jacob already had 2 shells in their shell collection. Then they went to the beach to collect even more. Ed found 7 limpet shells, 2 oyster shells, and 4 conch shells. Jacob found 2 more shells than Ed did. How many shells do the pair have altogether?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
30
Ed and Jacob already had 2 shells in their shell collection. Then they went to the beach to collect even more. Ed found 7 limpet shells, 2 oyster shells, and 4 conch shells. Jacob found 2 more shells than Ed did. How many shells do the pair have altogether?
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