Multiply −2 1/2 by −1 3/5. Write the answer as a decimal.

Answer 1

To multiply the mixed numbers, we can convert them to improper fractions.

$−2\frac{1}{2} = \frac{-5}{2}$

$−1\frac{3}{5} = \frac{-8}{5}$

Then, we multiply the two fractions:

$\frac{-5}{2} \cdot \frac{-8}{5} = \frac{40}{10}$

And simplify:

$\frac{40}{10} = 4$

Therefore, the answer written as a decimal is $\boxed{4}$.