Final answer:
The '5e' in Bretscher's 'Linear Algebra with Applications, 5e' represents the Fifth edition of the book.
Step-by-step explanation:
The '5e' in Bretscher's 'Linear Algebra with Applications, 5e' represents the Fifth edition of the book. It indicates that this is the fifth iteration or version of the book that has been published. It does not refer to the number of exercises per chapter, essential concepts, or example problems.