Grade 12 Physics help, Kinematics

[Telmob]

Homework Statement

Alright, just started physics and I've already fallen behind :(

trying to do my homeowkr and I am completely lost, no idea at all.

So here's a question which i had no idea how to do.

* A tree house has a vertical "fire pole" of smooth metal, designed for quick exits. A child of mass 35.7Kg slides down the pole with constant acceleration, starting from rest. The pole is 3.10m high. The journey to the ground takes 2.00s.
a) what is the magnitude of the downward acceleration of the child?
b) What is the magnitude of the upward force of friction exerted by the pole of the child?

Also, i looked in the back of my textbook and in my notes, and i still don't know what magnitude means. Or how to get it for that matter.

Homework Equations

I know for this problem to find a) i could use the equation a= external friction/mass
but how do i find a? is it just g= -9.8m/s² or does it have to do with the kids weight?
and i have no idea how to get the external friction or what exactly it is.

I know this right now
m=35.7Kg
T= 2s
Height= 3.1m high
g= -9.8m/s²


i don't know if this is enough information but please help me, its been 2 weeks and I am already behind, I've gone to extra help after school, but its the same teacher and i guess i just don't understand him.

 

[learningphysics]

For the first part don't use forces... just use kinematics. You can immediately calculate acceleration by using the right equation.