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written by
Edward F. Redish
An important step in learning to use math in science is learning to see symbolic equations not just as calculational tools, but as ways of expressing fundamental relationships among physical quantities, of coding conceptual information, and of organizing physics knowledge structures. In this paper, I propose "anchor equations" as a construct to support teaching and learning in introductory physics. I define anchor equation, provide examples, and suggest ways anchor equations can be used in instruction to support the development of students' mathematical sense-making.
Editor's Note: This paper is the third in a series of five articles on how to help students develop the scientific reasoning skills required to effectively use mathematics in science. The author and publisher are temporarily offering this article for free access. See Related Materials for links to the additional articles that comprise this series: Collection Overview, plus articles addressing dimensional analysis, estimation, toy models, and functional dependence.
The Physics Teacher: Volume 59, Issue 8, Pages 599-604
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![]() <a href="https://www.per-central.org/items/detail.cfm?ID=16484">Redish, Edward F.. "Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations." Phys. Teach. 59, no. 8, (October 27, 2021): 599-604.</a>
![]() E. Redish, , Phys. Teach. 59 (8), 599 (2021), WWW Document, (https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0023066).
![]() E. Redish, Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations, Phys. Teach. 59 (8), 599 (2021), <https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0023066>.
![]() Redish, E. (2021, October 27). Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations. Phys. Teach., 59(8), 599-604. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0023066
![]() Redish, Edward F.. "Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations." Phys. Teach. 59, no. 8, (October 27, 2021): 599-604, https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0023066 (accessed 10 February 2025).
![]() Redish, Edward F.. "Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations." Phys. Teach. 59.8 (2021): 599-604. 10 Feb. 2025 <https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0023066>.
![]() @article{
Author = "Edward F. Redish",
Title = {Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations},
Journal = {Phys. Teach.},
Volume = {59},
Number = {8},
Pages = {599-604},
Month = {October},
Year = {2021}
}
![]() %A Edward F. Redish %T Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations %J Phys. Teach. %V 59 %N 8 %D October 27, 2021 %P 599-604 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0023066 %O application/pdf ![]() %0 Journal Article %A Redish, Edward F. %D October 27, 2021 %T Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations %J Phys. Teach. %V 59 %N 8 %P 599-604 %8 October 27, 2021 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0023066 Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The AJP/PRST-PER presented is based on the AIP Style with the addition of journal article titles and conference proceeding article titles. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. Using Math in Physics: 3. Anchor equations:
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Using Math in Physics: Overview
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Using Math in Physics: 1. Dimensional Analysis
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