How is the exponent of five squared expressed mathematically?

The expression for five squared mathematically represents the multiplication of five by itself. This is denoted as (5^2), and is calculated as (5 \times 5).

When you see the term "squared," it indicates that the base, in this case, five, is multiplied by itself exactly once. Therefore, five squared can be expressed simply as (5 \times 5).

The other options given involve either additional operations (such as exponentiation or subtraction) or incorrect applications of mathematical concepts. Such operations do not accurately depict the concept of squaring the number five, which solely involves multiplication of the number by itself.