Question

A small mailbag is released from a helicopter that is descending steadily at 2.36 m/s.
(a) After 5.00 s, what is the speed of the mailbag?
(b) How far is it below the helicopter?
(c) What are your answers to parts (a) and (b) if the helicopter is rising steadily at 2.36 m/s?

I got the correct speeds for both situations, but incorrect distances (significant figures matter).
(a) v=51.4 m/s (c) v=46.6 m/s

Answer 1

(b)
bag falls -2.36*5 - 4.9*25 = -134.3
chopper descends -2.36*5 = -11.8
-134.3-(-11.8) = -122.5

if the chopper is rising, then
bag falls 2.36*5 - 4.9*25 = -110.7
chopper rises 11.8
-110.7 - 11.8 = -122.5

surprised the answer is the same? Think about it.