Multiply −2 1/2 by −1 3/5. Write the answer as a decimal.

Answer 1

To multiply the mixed numbers, first convert them to improper fractions:

$-\frac{2}{2}-\frac{1}{2}=-\frac{5}{2}$

$-\frac{1}{5} + 1 = -\frac{6}{5}$

Now, we can multiply the fractions:

$-\frac{5}{2}\cdot-\frac{6}{5}=\frac{5\cdot6}{2\cdot5}=\frac{30}{10}=3$

Finally, as a fraction, our answer is 3, which as a decimal is $\boxed{3}$.