Joseph claims that a scatterplot in which the y-values increase as the x-values increase must have a linear association. Amy claims that the scatterplot could have a nonlinear association. Which statement about their claims is true?

When y-values increase as x-values increase, the association is positive, but that does not mean it must be linear. A straight line could show this pattern, or a curve could increase while becoming steeper or less steep in different regions. Therefore, Amy is correct that the scatterplot could be linear or nonlinear. Choice D is too strong because a line can also increase throughout.

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