Edward spent $ 17. Then he received $ 10 from his friend. Now he has $ 7. How much did Edward have before he spent his money?
. 

Edward spent $17. So, he had $17 before he spent his money. 

Then he received $10 from his friend. So, he had $10 after he received his money. 

Now he has $7. So, he had $7 after he spent his money. 

Therefore, Edward had $17 before he spent his money.