James lost 2 friends, so he has 20 - 2 = <<20-2=18>>18 friends left.

Then he made 1 friend, James now has 18 + 1 = <<18+1=19>>19 friends.

# Answer

19
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
James has 20 friends. Yesterday at work he got into an argument with 2 of his friends. Now he no longer considers them as friends. On his way back home, he made one more friend. So how many friends does James have left?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
19
James has 20 friends. Yesterday at work he got into an argument with 2 of his friends. Now he no longer considers them as friends. On his way back home, he made one more friend. So how many friends does James have left?
train