1. **State the problem:** Calculate the value of the expression $4(2.5 - 17)$.\n\n2. **Apply the order of operations:** First, solve the expression inside the parentheses.\n\n3. Calculate $2.5 - 17 = -14.5$.\n\n4. Now multiply $4$ by $-14.5$: $$4 \times (-14.5) = -58.$$\n\n5. **Final answer:** The value of $4(2.5 - 17)$ is $-58$.