Question

multiply
$-3\frac{2}{5} \times 0.5 = \square$

Explanation:

Step1: Convert mixed number to improper fraction

The mixed number \(-3\frac{2}{5}\) can be converted to an improper fraction. To do this, we multiply the whole number part \(-3\) by the denominator \(5\) and add the numerator \(2\). So, \(-3\frac{2}{5}=-\frac{3\times5 + 2}{5}=-\frac{17}{5}\).

Step2: Convert decimal to fraction

The decimal \(0.5\) can be written as a fraction. Since \(0.5=\frac{5}{10}=\frac{1}{2}\).

Step3: Multiply the two fractions

Now we multiply \(-\frac{17}{5}\) and \(\frac{1}{2}\). When multiplying fractions, we multiply the numerators together and the denominators together. So, \(-\frac{17}{5}\times\frac{1}{2}=-\frac{17\times1}{5\times2}=-\frac{17}{10}\).

Step4: Convert improper fraction to decimal (optional, but can also be left as a fraction or mixed number)

Converting \(-\frac{17}{10}\) to a decimal, we divide \(17\) by \(10\), so \(-\frac{17}{10}=-1.7\). We can also write it as a mixed number \(-1\frac{7}{10}\), but in decimal form it is \(-1.7\) or as a fraction \(-\frac{17}{10}\).

Answer:

\(-1.7\) (or \(-\frac{17}{10}\) or \(-1\frac{7}{10}\))