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

Think of it in terms of how many you have, rather than a multiplication.

So think of it with a single cookie.

If you have 5 x the original number of cookies, you now have 5 cookies. You still have the original cookie, plus 4 more.

If you have 2 x the original number of cookies, you now have 2 cookies. The original one, plus one more.