To evaluate the expression [tex]\( -0.2 \cdot 2.5 \)[/tex], follow these steps:
1. Identify the numbers involved: The two numbers we need to multiply are [tex]\(-0.2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(2.5\)[/tex].
2. Consider the sign of the product: Since we are multiplying a negative number by a positive number, the product will be negative. This is a fundamental property of multiplication involving negative and positive numbers.
3. Multiply the absolute values: Ignoring the signs for a moment, multiply the absolute values of the numbers [tex]\(0.2\)[/tex] and [tex]\(2.5\)[/tex].
4. Combine the product with the sign: After obtaining the absolute value of the multiplication, apply the sign determined in step 2.
Now let's summarize these steps:
- The absolute value of [tex]\(0.2\)[/tex] is [tex]\(0.2\)[/tex].
- The absolute value of [tex]\(2.5\)[/tex] is [tex]\(2.5\)[/tex].
- Multiplying these, we get [tex]\(0.2 \times 2.5\)[/tex], which equals [tex]\(0.5\)[/tex].
Since we're combining a negative with a positive, the final product will be [tex]\( -0.5 \)[/tex].
Therefore:
[tex]\[
-0.2 \cdot 2.5 = -0.5
\][/tex]
So the evaluated result of the expression [tex]\( -0.2 \cdot 2.5 \)[/tex] is [tex]\( -0.5 \)[/tex].
