The problem is asking for the product, meaning we need to multiply.
-2 1/4 * 2 1/2
To make multiplying easier, we can convert the mixed numbers into improper fractions.
2 * 4 = 8, + 1 = 9/4
2 * 2 = 4, + 1 = 5/2
Now, we have this:
-9/4 * 5/2
Since the denominators are different, we can find the least common multiple of the denominators to make them the same. In this case, the least common multiple of 4 and 2 is 4.
-9/4 * 1 = -9/4
5/2 * 2 = 10/4
Now, we have this:
-9/4 * 10/4
We can now multiply!
-9 * 10 = -90
/4 * /4 = /16
= -90/16
You can simply the improper fraction if you'd like.
-90 / 16 = -5.625
So, our answer is -90/16, or -5.625.