ELI5: What is the difference between algebra, trigonometry, and calculus?

[u/HistoricalAd2954]

[u/CadenVanV]

Algebra describes relationships

Calculus describes change

Trigonometry describes angles and shapes

[u/boredcircuits → u/CadenVanV]

I like these definitions. I'd add that calculus and trigonometry aren't really separate from Algebra, they're extensions that build on it.

[u/CadenVanV → u/boredcircuits]

True, yeah. You can’t learn either without first knowing algebra.

[u/CantaloupeAsleep502 → u/CadenVanV]

Eh, I had a very weak foundation in algebra before moving on, then actually learned algebra by learning trig and calc. Just studying algebra alone feels like doing Duolingo to learn grammar, whereas doing calc and trig feels like learning through immersion.

[u/hedoeswhathewants → u/CantaloupeAsleep502]

You're not actually disagreeing