Analyzing Numeric and Geometric Patterns of Paper Pool
Part Two - Explore More Tables

For now, focus on answering these two questions:

  1. In what corner will the ball stop?
     
  2. How many hits will have occurred by the time the ball stops?

Each question is asking you to find out what happens to a ball as it travels on the Paper Pool tables.

Use the interactive pool table below to explore the results for different Paper Pool tables. Record your data into a table with three columns like the one below. You may want to enter your data into a spreadsheet or other similar data tools for later analysis. Remember to record the dimensions of the pool table in the form bottom edge x side edge.

 

Table Dimensions

Number of Hits

Corner

6 x 4

5

D

4 x 4

2

C

4 x 2

3

B

You will need to examine more tables to test your ideas about where the ball will stop and how many hits will have occurred. When you think you can predict the outcomes, write rules that you could use to determine what will happen with different size pool tables..

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Examine Your Data

  1. Are there any situations in which you know for sure the ball will land in pocket B? in pocket C? in pocket D?

  2. You may have observed that the ball never lands in pocket A. Will this always be so? Explain your thinking.

  3. Suppose you were to play Paper Pool on a table of size 150 by 300. Can you predict where the ball will land? How many hits will occur?

 

Click here to investigate rules for Paper Pool Tables of any size.

 

 
Explore More Tables

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References and Credits



Last updated: January 22, 2002

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