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

The exponent is the number being multiplied by itself a given number of times.

The exponent is the number that tells you to square a number.

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

The exponent is the smallest number in the expression.

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