Final answer:
To find the number of previous successful launches before reaching the goal of 5, subtract each option from the total until one result plus the last successful launch equals the goal. Option C (4) is correct because 4 previous successful launches plus 1 final successful launch equals 5.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to determine the number of successful launches CuJoe's model rocket had before achieving a total of 5 successful launches on Saturday. This is a question that can be solved by simple subtraction since the total number of successful launches is known. For instance, if CuJoe reached his goal of 5 successful launches and we know one of the options provided must be subtracted from this total to account for previous successful launches, we can determine the initial number.
To solve this, we can check each option to see which subtracted from the total (5) will leave us with a number that could represent the final successful launch that achieved the goal:
- Option A: 5 - 2 = 3
- Option B: 5 - 3 = 2
- Option C: 5 - 4 = 1
- Option D: 5 - 5 = 0
Therefore, the option that represents the number of previous successful launches before the final launch that achieved the goal of 5 total successful launches would indeed be the one that, when added to 1 (representing the final successful launch), equals 5. By examination, option C (4 previous successful launches + 1 final successful launch) fits, resulting in a total of 5 successful launches.