The number of people who took only wine is the difference between the number of people who took wine and those who took wine and soda which is 26 -17 = <<26-17=9>>9 people

In the same manner, the number of people who took only soda is 22-17 = <<22-17=5>>5 people

Therefore the total number present is the sum of those who took wine only, those who took soda only and those who took both which is 9+5+17 = <<9+5+17=31>>31 people

# Answer

31
<|im_start|>system
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<|im_start|>user
At a gathering, it was reported that 26 people took wine, 22 people took soda, and 17 people took both drinks. If each person could have taken one or more drinks regardless of what was reported, how many people altogether were at the gathering?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
31
At a gathering, it was reported that 26 people took wine, 22 people took soda, and 17 people took both drinks. If each person could have taken one or more drinks regardless of what was reported, how many people altogether were at the gathering?
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