Basic counting help - I can't understand the reasoning behind it

[DynamicX]

Basically, in my head, this process occurs without much thinking, but once I stop to think why I am doing this, by brain implodes and can't think of a solution. It has been bugging me for years, yet I could never explain it to anyone, nor did I know how to search about this problem on the internet, until I thought of asking on a maths forum.

Here goes:

387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400

Above, there are 14 numbers in total, however in the next bit, the problem lies. If I was to count onwards, from 387 I would start at 388 and work my towards 400, making there to be 13 numbers, not the 14 stated above. Why is 387 omitted, why do I have to start counting from 388 onwards?

If someone could answer this, it would be soooo much helpful, since it would be a mental block lifted.

Thanks again,

Dynamic X

 

[pka]

Here goes:

387, 388, 389,390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397,398, 399, 400

Above, there are 14 numbers in total, however in the next bit, the problem lies. If I was to count onwards, from 387 I would start at 388 and work my towards 400, making there to be 13 numbers, not the 14 stated above. Why is 387 omitted, why do I have to start counting from 388 onwards?

It is quite simple really. Count the numbers of commas ,,, above.
This is no jest on my part. How many ones are added to 387 to get 400?
Same question if we start with 386 to 400?

Think about it! There are twelve numbers between 387 & 400.
There are fourteen number from 387 to 400.

 

[DynamicX]

It is quite simple really. Count the numbers of commas ,,, above.
This is no jest on my part. How many ones are added to 387 to get 400?
Same question if we start with 386 to 400?

Think about it! There are twelve numbers between 387 & 400.
There are fourteen number from 387 to 400.

Oh sugar, it is not making sense which is annoying me since it seems like a basic skill I can't come to reason with. Whats tbis topic called, as I will try to find other solutions, rather than constantly annoy you over something small, that probably almost anyone can do.

Thank you for the speedy reply

 

[stapel]

Here goes:

387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400

Above, there are 14 numbers in total...

Yes; you have listed fourteen numbers, starting with 387 and counting up by ones thirteen times, to arrive at 400.

first list: 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400

however in the next bit, the problem lies. If I was to count onwards, from 387 I would start at 388 and work my towards 400, making there to be 13 numbers, not the 14 stated above.

So you're doing this in two stages, like so?

first list: 387
second list: 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400

Why are you not including your starting point in your second counting?

Why is 387 omitted...

Because you, for some reason, set it aside as a special case.

...why do I have to start counting from 388 onwards?

What do you mean by "having to"? What, exactly, are you doing?

Please be complete. Thank you!