What is the mathematical definition of the word exponent? *Choose the best answer.

(1 point)
O The exponent is the number that tells you to square a number.
O The exponent is the smallest number in the expression.
• The exponent is the number being multiplied by itself a given number of times.
• The exponent is the number that tells you how many times to use the base as a
factor.

• The exponent is the number that tells you how many times to use the base as a factor.