The expression \(\sqrt[3]{5}\) can be rewritten using rational exponents. According to the rules of exponents, the nth root of a number can be expressed as that number raised to the power of \(\frac{1}{n}\).
In this case, since we are taking the cube root (3rd root) of 5, we can express it as:
\[ \sqrt[3]{5} = 5^{\frac{1}{3}} \]
Thus, the rational exponent in the equivalent expression is \(\frac{1}{3}\).