1. The problem asks us to find the number or numbers whose absolute value is 5. 2. Recall the definition of absolute value: for any number $x$, the absolute value $|x|$ is the distance of $x$ from 0 on the number line, and it is always non-negative. 3. The equation to solve is: $$|x| = 5$$ 4. This means $x$ can be either 5 or -5 because both satisfy the equation: $$|5| = 5 \quad \text{and} \quad |-5| = 5$$ 5. Therefore, the numbers are $-5$ and $5$. Final answer: -5 or 5