To determine the constant term in a polynomial, we look for the term that does not contain any variables (i.e., the term that is independent of [tex]\( x \)[/tex]).
The given polynomial is:
[tex]\[ 7x^3 - x^2 - 4.2x + 5 \][/tex]
We examine each term of the polynomial:
1. [tex]\( 7x^3 \)[/tex] - This term contains [tex]\( x \)[/tex], so it is not the constant term.
2. [tex]\( -x^2 \)[/tex] - This term also contains [tex]\( x \)[/tex], so it is not the constant term.
3. [tex]\( -4.2x \)[/tex] - This term contains [tex]\( x \)[/tex], so it is not the constant term.
4. [tex]\( 5 \)[/tex] - This term does not contain [tex]\( x \)[/tex], so it is the constant term.
Therefore, the constant term in the polynomial [tex]\( 7x^3 - x^2 - 4.2x + 5 \)[/tex] is:
[tex]\[ \boxed{5} \][/tex]
So, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ 5 \][/tex]
