Why do this problem?
The problem develops visualisation. Students may be interested
because snooker is a popular game and they may be impressed that
expert players can judge the angle of the shot accurately to bounce
of two, three or even 4 walls and hit the target. One way to solve
the problem is to use coordinates, similar triangles and
gradients.
Possible approach
Work through one of the cases as a class together and then suggest
that students draw a diagram. Then discuss the diagram as a class
before the students calculate the various paths.
Key question
How can we turn into a straight line the path and the reflected
path after the ball bounces off a cushion?
Possible support
Initially ignore the pink and blueballs which might be in the way
of the shot.
See also
Cushion Ball which has an interactivity.