Let's solve the equation step by step:

0.4(x-3) = 0.5(4+x) - 2.5

Distribute on both sides:

0.4x - 1.2 = 2 + 0.5x - 2.5

Combine like terms:

0.4x - 1.2 = 0.5x - 0.5

Subtract 0.4x from both sides:

-1.2 = 0.1x - 0.5

Add 0.5 to both sides:

-0.7 = 0.1x

Divide by 0.1:

x = -7

So the solution to the equation is x = -7.