I wish I saved my answer from the other day, LOL...
we’ll use h for # of bags of hardwood mulch, and p for # of bags of pine bark mulch
h + p = 156
2h + 1.75p = 288
First we’ll solve for h in terms of p
h = 156 - p
Then substitute that into the equation with the money
2(156 - p) + 1.75p = 288
312 -2p + 1.75p = 288
-0.25p = -24
0.25p = 24
p = 96
Drop that into the equation for numbers of bags
h = 156 - p
h = 156 - 96
h = 60
Check the math:
2h + 1.75p = 288
2(60) + 1.75(96) = 120 + 168 =288
Let me know if you have questions