Select the correct answer. In the context of consumer surplus and willingness to pay, which of the following best describes consumer surplus?

• A. The difference between what a consumer is willing to pay for a good and what they actually pay.
• B. The total amount paid by consumers for a good.
• C. The cost of producing a good.
• D. The maximum price a seller can charge for a good.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of willingness to pay, which is the maximum amount a consumer is ready to pay for a good or service.
2. Recognize that consumer surplus measures the benefit consumers receive when they pay less than their willingness to pay.
3. Express consumer surplus mathematically as the difference between willingness to pay and the actual price paid: \(\text{Consumer Surplus} = \text{Willingness to Pay} - \text{Price Paid}\).
4. Note that consumer surplus is not the total amount paid by consumers, nor is it related to production costs or seller pricing limits.
5. Conclude that the best description of consumer surplus is the difference between what a consumer is willing to pay for a good and what they actually pay.