Question

4 times -5/8 write the answer as a mixed number in simplest form

Answer 1

To calculate \(4 \times -\frac{5}{8}\):

1. First, multiply the whole number by the fraction:
\[
4 \times -\frac{5}{8} = -\frac{4 \times 5}{8} = -\frac{20}{8}
\]

2. Now simplify \(-\frac{20}{8}\). The greatest common divisor of 20 and 8 is 4:
\[
-\frac{20 \div 4}{8 \div 4} = -\frac{5}{2}
\]

3. Next, convert \(-\frac{5}{2}\) to a mixed number. Since \(\frac{5}{2}\) equals \(2\) with a remainder of \(1\):
\[
-\frac{5}{2} = -2 \frac{1}{2}
\]

Thus, the answer as a mixed number in simplest form is:
\[
\boxed{-2 \frac{1}{2}}
\]