Final answer:
Belva's consumer surplus is indeed $17, which is the difference between her willingness to pay ($65) and the price she paid for the shoes ($48). Option number a is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the concept of consumer surplus, which in economics is the difference between the amount a consumer is willing to pay for a good or service and the actual price they pay. Belva is willing to pay $65.00 for a pair of shoes, but she finds them for $48.00. The consumer surplus here would be the difference between the two amounts, which is $17.00 ($65.00 - $48.00).
Thus, the statement that Belva's consumer surplus is $17 is true.