The rate increased the following year.
The graph depicting the proportional relationship between the number of workers and weekly cost in the company's first year provides insights into the cost structure. In the second year, the company's expenditure increased to $7,200 for 12 employees. By comparing this with the initial data, where the relationship was likely proportional, it is evident that the rate has increased.
This increase could be attributed to various factors, such as inflation, rising expenses, or changes in the company's operations. The higher cost for the same number of employees indicates an upward shift in the proportional relationship, reflecting an increased rate of expenditure in the second year.