Final answer:
Dean likely used the exponent 3 to indicate a cubic relationship, as cubing a number means multiplying it by itself three times. This is a standard use of an exponent in mathematics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dean used the exponent 3 in Line 4 most likely to indicate a cubic relationship. In mathematics, an exponent is used as shorthand for repeated multiplication. For instance, raising a number to the power of 3, which is expressed as 'cubing' a number, means to multiply that number by itself three times.
Given the context provided, option A) 'To indicate a cubic relationship' seems to be the correct choice. It would also be consistent with mathematical rules where we multiply the exponent of the exponential term by 3 when cubing. This is part of understanding how to work with powers and exponents in mathematical expressions.