Why do we count the initial number when we say something is X times bigger?

Question

Why do we count the initial number when we say something is X times bigger?

In: 42

Answer 1

Because “bigger” means you’re specifically talking about the difference between the starting and ending amounts. You’re describing the **amount of change**, not the result of the change.

“Bigger” describes how much it changed, and then you have to add the original to get the “times as big” amount.