1. **State the problem:** Solve the equation $X - y = -2$ for $X$ or $y$. 2. **Rewrite the equation:** The equation is already given as $X - y = -2$. 3. **Isolate $X$:** To solve for $X$, add $y$ to both sides: $$X - y + y = -2 + y$$ $$X = y - 2$$ 4. **Isolate $y$:** To solve for $y$, subtract $X$ from both sides: $$X - y - X = -2 - X$$ $$-y = -2 - X$$ 5. **Simplify for $y$:** Multiply both sides by $-1$: $$\cancel{-1} \times -y = \cancel{-1} \times (-2 - X)$$ $$y = 2 + X$$ **Final answers:** - $X = y - 2$ - $y = 2 + X$