Final answer:
An increase in the coefficient of x, or the slope, in a linear equation results in an increase in y values if the slope is positive, as the relationship between x and y is positively correlated.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the coefficient of x, often referred to as the slope, increases in a linear equation, the y values tend to increase if the slope is positive. This is because the slope of a line measures how much y increases for a unit increase in x. A positive slope means there is a positive correlation between x and y; as x increases, y also increases. This relationship is graphically represented by a line that rises as it moves from left to right on a graph.
Therefore, if we are considering a linear function of the form y = mx + b, where m is the slope and b is the y-intercept, an increase in the value of m would result in steeper upward-sloping lines if m is positive. Consequently, the correct answer to the question is:
A) The y values increase.