Final answer:
The degree of the polynomial 3x^4 + 2x^3 + x^2 + 5x - 3 is 4, as the highest exponent of x in the polynomial is 4.
Step-by-step explanation:
The degree of a polynomial is the highest power of the variable in the polynomial. In the polynomial 3x4 + 2x3 + x2 + 5x - 3, the highest power of x is 4, as seen in the term 3x4. Therefore, the degree of the polynomial is 4.