If $r_{xy}$ = 0 the variable x and y are ______________.

not linearly related 

The correct answer is Option 2: not linearly related

If r = 0 the two variables are uncorrelated. There is no linear relation between them. 

• If r = 1 or r = –1 the correlation is perfect and there is exact linear relation.

• A high value of r indicates strong linear relationship. Its value is said to be high when it is close to +1 or –1.

• A low value of r (close to zero) indicates a weak linear relation. But there may be a non-linear relation.