To calculate the expression \(-2 \frac{5}{4} + (- \frac{5}{2})\), we first want to convert the mixed number into an improper fraction.
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Convert -2 5/4 to an improper fraction: \[ -2 \frac{5}{4} = -2 \times 4 - 5 = -8 - 5 = -13 \text{ (as improper fraction)} = -\frac{13}{4} \]
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Now we need to convert \(-\frac{5}{2}\) to a fraction with a common denominator (denominator of 4): \[ -\frac{5}{2} = -\frac{5 \times 2}{2 \times 2} = -\frac{10}{4} \]
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Now we can combine the two fractions: \[ -\frac{13}{4} + (-\frac{10}{4}) = -\frac{13 + 10}{4} = -\frac{23}{4} \]
So the answer is: \[ -\frac{23}{4} \]
If you prefer, this can also be expressed as a mixed number: \[ -5\frac{3}{4} \]
Final answer: \[ -\frac{23}{4} \text{ or } -5 \frac{3}{4} \]