The packets have 56 pieces in total because 8 x 7 = <<8*7=56>>56

He chews 54 pieces because 56 -2 = <<56-2=54>>54

# Answer

54
<|im_start|>system
You are a helpful assistant.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Mitchell is trying to chew as many pieces of gum at once as he can. He has 8 packets of gum, There are 7 pieces in each. If he chews all the gum except for 2 pieces, how many pieces does he chew at once?
Please reason step by step, and put your final answer within \boxed{{}}.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant

user
54
Mitchell is trying to chew as many pieces of gum at once as he can. He has 8 packets of gum, There are 7 pieces in each. If he chews all the gum except for 2 pieces, how many pieces does he chew at once?
train