Final answer:
The relationship between the number of students and tables is a consistent ratio of 8 students per table, as evidenced by 8 students sitting around 1 table and 48 students around 6 tables.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between the number of students and tables described in the question is a ratio. With 8 students being able to sit around 1 table, we have a ratio of 8 students per table. When we have 6 tables and 48 students, we can see that the relationship stays consistent, with the ratio being 48 students to 6 tables, which simplifies to the same ratio of 8 students per table.