The independent variable, \( x \), represents the **number of bagels purchased**, and the dependent variable is the **total cost of the bagels**, because the **total cost of the bagels** depends on the **number of bagels purchased**.
A function relating these variables is \( N(x) = 1.25x \), where \( N(x) \) represents the total cost and \( x \) represents the number of bagels.
So, \( N(8) = 1.25 \times 8 = 10 \), meaning 8 bagels will cost **$10**.