Which of the following scenarios best illustrates actual output in an economy?

The scenario that best illustrates actual output in an economy is the increase in factory production due to new hires. This reflects a tangible change in the level of economic activity—specifically, an increase in the quantity of goods produced within a certain period. Actual output is measured by the real level of production occurring at a given time, and when a factory employs more workers, it typically indicates that production is increasing, leading to a boost in the overall output of the economy.

In contrast, the other scenarios focus on future possibilities or projections rather than current economic activity. Projected sales growth refers to anticipated performance, and estimating growth rates involves basing predictions on historical data, which does not indicate what is happening in the present. Similarly, discussing potential job opportunities looks at future employment options rather than measuring actual economic output as it stands today. Therefore, the scenario of increased factory production directly correlates with the current performance of the economy, making it the clearest representation of actual output.