To multiply \(-1.7\) by \(2 \frac{1}{2}\), we first convert both numbers into a more manageable form.
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Convert \(2 \frac{1}{2}\) to an improper fraction: \[ 2 \frac{1}{2} = 2 + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{4}{2} + \frac{1}{2} = \frac{5}{2} \]
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Now we multiply \(-1.7\) by \(\frac{5}{2}\). We can convert \(-1.7\) to a fraction: \[ -1.7 = -\frac{17}{10} \]
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Now, multiply the two fractions: \[ -\frac{17}{10} \times \frac{5}{2} = -\frac{17 \times 5}{10 \times 2} = -\frac{85}{20} \]
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Next, simplify \(-\frac{85}{20}\). We find the greatest common divisor (GCD) of 85 and 20, which is 5: \[ -\frac{85 \div 5}{20 \div 5} = -\frac{17}{4} \]
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Finally, convert \(-\frac{17}{4}\) to a mixed number: \(-\frac{17}{4} = -4 \frac{1}{4}\) (since \(17 \div 4 = 4\) remainder \(1\)).
So the answer is: \[ \text{negative } 4 \frac{1}{4} \]
Thus, the correct answer is: −4 Start Fraction 1 over 4 End Fraction.