Question 1

We will explore how different languages name common fractions.

Step 1 — Gathering Information

We will ask our family and teachers. We will also ask our classmates. We will look at English, Hindi, and Marathi words. These languages are common in our state.

Step 2 — Words for Fractions

Let us list the words for each fraction.

For the fraction $\frac{1}{2}$: $\text{English: } \textbf{half}$ $\text{Hindi: } \textbf{aadha} \text{ (आधा)}$ $\text{Marathi: } \textbf{ardha} \text{ (अर्धा)}$

$\boxed{\text{Words for } \frac{1}{2}: \text{half, aadha, ardha}}$

For the fraction $\frac{1}{4}$: $\text{English: } \textbf{quarter}$ $\text{Hindi: } \textbf{chauthai} \text{ (चौथाई)}$ $\text{Marathi: } \textbf{pav} \text{ (पाव)}$

$\boxed{\text{Words for } \frac{1}{4}: \text{quarter, chauthai, pav}}$

For the fraction $\frac{3}{4}$: $\text{English: } \textbf{three quarters}$ $\text{Hindi: } \textbf{pauna} \text{ (पौना)}$ $\text{Marathi: } \textbf{paun} \text{ (पाऊण)}$

$\boxed{\text{Words for } \frac{3}{4}: \text{three quarters, pauna, paun}}$

For the fraction $1\frac{1}{2}$: $\text{English: } \textbf{one and a half}$ $\text{Hindi: } \textbf{dedh} \text{ (डेढ़)}$ $\text{Marathi: } \textbf{dedh} \text{ (दीड)}$

$\boxed{\text{Words for } 1\frac{1}{2}: \text{one and a half, dedh, dedh}}$

For the fraction $1\frac{1}{4}$: $\text{English: } \textbf{one and a quarter}$ $\text{Hindi: } \textbf{sawa} \text{ (सवा)}$ $\text{Marathi: } \textbf{sava} \text{ (सव्वा)}$

$\boxed{\text{Words for } 1\frac{1}{4}: \text{one and a quarter, sawa, sava}}$

For the fraction $2\frac{1}{2}$: $\text{English: } \textbf{two and a half}$ $\text{Hindi: } \textbf{adhai} \text{ (अढ़ाई)}$ $\text{Marathi: } \textbf{adhich} \text{ (अडीच)}$

$\boxed{\text{Words for } 2\frac{1}{2}: \text{two and a half, adhai, adhich}}$

Step 3 — Discussing Our Findings

We can see some interesting patterns. English uses simple combinations of numbers. For example, "one and a half" means $1 + \frac{1}{2}$. Hindi and Marathi often have special words. For example, dedh means $1 \frac{1}{2}$. Sawa means $1 \frac{1}{4}$. Pauna means $\frac{3}{4}$. Adhai means $2 \frac{1}{2}$. These special words are very common. They make talking about fractions quicker. It is like a shortcut in language. Some words are similar between Hindi and Marathi. For example, dedh and dīd are alike. Sawa and savva are also similar. This shows how languages can be connected. This exploration was very interesting.

Answer

(i) The words for fractions in English, Hindi, and Marathi are listed above. (ii) English combines numbers and basic fraction words. (iii) Hindi and Marathi often use special single words for common fractions. These words act as shortcuts. (iv) Some Hindi and Marathi words for fractions are very similar.