To solve the multiplication of \(-9 \frac{1}{2}\) by \(0.04\):
First, convert \(-9 \frac{1}{2}\) to an improper fraction: \[ -9 \frac{1}{2} = -\frac{19}{2} \]
Now, multiply \(-\frac{19}{2}\) by \(0.04\): \[ 0.04 = \frac{4}{100} = \frac{1}{25} \]
Now perform the multiplication: \[ -\frac{19}{2} \times \frac{1}{25} = -\frac{19 \cdot 1}{2 \cdot 25} = -\frac{19}{50} \]
Now, convert \(-\frac{19}{50}\) to a decimal by performing the division: \[ -19 \div 50 = -0.38 \]
Thus, the final answer is: \[ \boxed{-0.38} \]
So the correct response is \(-0.38\) (negative 0.38).