To solve the expression \( 40 \times (-0.1)^2 + 2 \times (-0.1)^3 + 5.1 \), let's break it down step by step:
Calculate \( (-0.1)^2 \): \[ (-0.1)^2 = 0.01 \]
Calculate \( 40 \times (-0.1)^2 \): \[ 40 \times 0.01 = 0.4 \]
Calculate \( (-0.1)^3 \): \[ (-0.1)^3 = -0.001 \]
Calculate \( 2 \times (-0.1)^3 \): \[ 2 \times -0.001 = -0.002 \]
Now, sum all the parts together: \[ 0.4 + (-0.002) + 5.1 \]
Combine the numbers: \[ 0.4 - 0.002 = 0.398 \] \[ 0.398 + 5.1 = 5.498 \]
The final result is: \[ \boxed{5.498} \]