The expression \( 5 - \sqrt{3} \) can be rewritten in terms of rational exponents. The square root can be expressed as a fractional exponent. Specifically, the square root of 3, \( \sqrt{3} \), can be expressed as \( 3^{1/2} \).
Thus, we can rewrite the expression:
\[ 5 - \sqrt{3} = 5 - 3^{1/2} \]
Here, the rational exponent for \( \sqrt{3} \) is \( \frac{1}{2} \).
If you meant to find the rational exponent of the entire expression \( 5 - \sqrt{3} \) relative to a specific operation (like raising it to a power or manipulating it further), please clarify that. However, in its current context, the rational exponent related to the square root is \( \frac{1}{2} \).