Question 28772
These types of equations are confusing for people because since when do letters belong in math?  Think of it like this...

      Every letter is only a symbol.  It's like when your teacher puts (?) and you have to solve.   Try putting a (?) and solve.

   x - 5 = -5
 (?) - 5 = -5   (Now add 5 to both sides)
     + 5     + 5
      (?) = 0   (put x back)
        x = 0


  0 = y - 2
  0 = (?) - 2  (Add 2 to both sides)
+ 2       + 2
  2 = (?)       (Put y back)
  2 = y