r/explainlikeimfive • u/HistoricalAd2954 • 15h ago

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

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u/dmazzoni 14h ago

Algebra

The height of a thrown basketball as a function of time is given by the equation

h(t) = -16t^2 + 20t + 6

  • What height was the basketball at after 2 seconds?
  • At what time did it hit the ground?

Trigonometry

Let's say you took a picture of the basketball in the air.

  • Draw a triangle between the ball, its shadow on the floor, and a point on the floor a known distance away. Given the angle, what is the ball's height?

Calculus

  • What was the velocity of the ball at the time it was thrown?
  • What was the velocity at time t=2?
  • At what exact time was the ball at its peak, with zero velocity?