Does a closer satellite have lower total energy?

[Yatin]

Homework Statement

If two satellites A and B are orbiting the Earth out of which A is closer to the Earth then the total energy of which Earth plus satellite system is lesser?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Should I consider only the magnitude while comparing using the formula total energy= -(GMm/2R) or also take the negative sign into consideration?

 

[jbriggs444]

Which has more potential energy, a rock at sea level or a rock below sea level?

 

[insightful]

Are the masses of A and B the same?

 

[UncertaintyAjay]

Should you be considering only the potential energy of the satellites? What else is there?