Answer:
an equation that relates x and y : 
y = 1.125x
Explanation:
The direct variation says that:

then equation is of the form:
 where k is the constant of variation.
As per the statement:
The variables x and y vary directly.
then by definition we have;
 .....[1]
Given that: y = 45 and x = 40 
Substitute these in [1] to solve for k;

Divide both sides by 40 we have;

Therefore, an equation that relates x and y : 
y = 1.125x