Let's simplify the expression \( 5(0.5k - 1) + 2(0.4 - k) \).
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Distribute the coefficients: \[ 5(0.5k) - 5(1) + 2(0.4) - 2(k) \] This simplifies to: \[ 2.5k - 5 + 0.8 - 2k \]
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Now, combine like terms: \[ (2.5k - 2k) + (-5 + 0.8) \] This gives us: \[ 0.5k - 4.2 \]
So the final result in decimal form is: \[ \boxed{0.5k - 4.2} \]