A chart shows that as input increases, output increases linearly. What does this indicate about the relationship between input and output?

A chart shows that as input increases, output increases linearly. What does this indicate about the relationship between input and output?

• A. A negative linear relationship.
• B. A positive linear relationship.
• C. No relationship.
• D. An exponential relationship.

Answer: (B)

A positive linear relationship is being shown. The straight line means the output changes by a constant amount for each unit the input increases, so as input goes up, output goes up in a steady, proportional way. The slope is positive, which is why the output rises with increasing input. If the line sloped downward, that would be a negative linear relationship; if it were flat, there would be no relationship; if the growth were exponential, the line would curve upward instead of staying straight.

A positive linear relationship is being shown. The straight line means the output changes by a constant amount for each unit the input increases, so as input goes up, output goes up in a steady, proportional way. The slope is positive, which is why the output rises with increasing input. If the line sloped downward, that would be a negative linear relationship; if it were flat, there would be no relationship; if the growth were exponential, the line would curve upward instead of staying straight.