The brakes are applied to a moving van, causing it to uniformly slow down. While slowing, it moves a distance of 40.0 m in 7.90 s to a final velocity of 2.00 m/s, at which point the brakes are released.

(a)

What was its initial speed (in m/s), just before the brakes were applied?

m/s

(b)

What was its acceleration (in m/s²) while the brakes were applied? (Assume the initial direction of motion is the positive direction. Indicate the direction with the sign of your answer.)

m/s²