To multiply \(-9 \frac{1}{2}\) by \(0.04\), we first convert \(-9 \frac{1}{2}\) into an improper fraction:
\[ -9 \frac{1}{2} = -\frac{19}{2} \]
Next, we multiply \(-\frac{19}{2}\) by \(0.04\):
\[ -\frac{19}{2} \times 0.04 = -\frac{19}{2} \times \frac{4}{100} = -\frac{19 \times 4}{2 \times 100} = -\frac{76}{200} \]
Now we simplify \(-\frac{76}{200}\):
\[ -\frac{76 \div 4}{200 \div 4} = -\frac{19}{50} \]
Now, convert \(-\frac{19}{50}\) to decimal:
\(-\frac{19}{50} = -0.38\)
Thus, the correct answer is:
\(-0.38\) (or negative 0.38)