1. The problem involves understanding the relationship between two variables: $b$ (the number of bags Johnny brings to the store) and $p$ (the number of products on Johnny's shopping list). 2. We are given two statements: - $b$ is the independent variable and $p$ is the dependent variable. - $p$ is the independent variable and $b$ is the dependent variable. 3. In mathematics, the independent variable is the one you control or choose values for, and the dependent variable depends on the independent variable. 4. If $b$ is independent and $p$ is dependent, then $p$ changes based on $b$. 5. Conversely, if $p$ is independent and $b$ is dependent, then $b$ changes based on $p$. 6. Without a graph or a specific function, we cannot determine which variable truly depends on the other; it depends on the context or the function relating $b$ and $p$. 7. Therefore, both statements are possible depending on the scenario, but only one can be correct at a time for a given function. Final answer: The independent variable is the one you choose or control, and the dependent variable changes in response. Without more information, we cannot definitively say which variable is independent or dependent.