The correct answer is D) decrease the starting current and increase the acceleration time. When a lower voltage is applied to a motor during the starting period, it will decrease the starting current. This is because the starting current is directly proportional to the applied voltage. With a lower starting current, the motor will experience a slower acceleration time, as it takes longer for the motor to reach its full speed. The other options are incorrect because: A) increasing the starting current would actually decrease the acceleration time, not increase it; B) decreasing both the starting current and acceleration time is not the correct relationship; and C) increasing both the starting current and acceleration time is also not the correct relationship.