To analyze the given scenario, let's break down the equation you provided:
\[ y = -16t^2 + 40t - 5 \]
In this equation:
- \( y \) represents the height of the object in feet,
- \( t \) represents the time in seconds,
- The coefficient \(-16\) indicates the effect of gravity (in this case, \( -32/2 = -16\) is used since we are measuring in feet and seconds).
The initial height from which Luca launches the object can be determined by evaluating the function when \( t = 0 \).
Plugging \( t = 0 \) into the equation:
\[ y = -16(0)^2 + 40(0) - 5 \] \[ y = -5 \]
This means that at \( t = 0 \) (the moment of launch), the height \( y \) is \(-5\) feet. Therefore, Luca’s initial launching point is 5 feet below street level.
Thus, the correct response is:
5 feet below.