Let
F = number of flashlights at $12 each
B = number of sleeping bags at $45 each.
F = 5B "The number of flashlight (F) ordered was five times the number of sleeping bags (5B)."
($12)F + ($45)B = $1785 "...the total cost was $1785,..." Substitute F = 5B.
12(5B)+45B = 1785 Simplify and solve for B.
60B+45B = 1785
105B = 1785 Divide both sides by 105.
B = 17 and...
F = 5B
F = 5(17)
F = 85
17 sleeping bags and 85 flashlights were ordered.
