To multiply \(4\) by \(-\frac{5}{8}\), you can follow these steps:
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Convert \(4\) to a fraction: \(4 = \frac{4}{1}\).
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Now, multiply the fractions: \[ \frac{4}{1} \times -\frac{5}{8} = \frac{4 \times -5}{1 \times 8} = \frac{-20}{8} \]
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Simplify the fraction: \[ \frac{-20}{8} = \frac{-20 \div 4}{8 \div 4} = \frac{-5}{2} \]
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Convert \(\frac{-5}{2}\) to a mixed number: \(-5\) divided by \(2\) is \(-2\) with a remainder of \(1\), so \[ -2 \frac{1}{2} \]
Thus, the answer is: \[ -2 \frac{1}{2} \]