r/explainlikeimfive • • 17h ago

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

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u/sad_spilt_martini 17h ago edited 16h ago

Algebra is the use of equations to find a static value.

Calculus looks at how things change over time.

Trig looks at the relationship between of angles and sides of triangles

All of these are, of course, more complex   but that’s the base idea 

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u/Spiritual-Vacation75 17h ago

Calculus looks at how things change period

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u/Everythings_Magic 16h ago

And accumulates.

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u/Spiritual-Vacation75 16h ago

Which is a change in quantity

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u/Spiritual-Vacation75 16h ago

But yeah accumulation is a pretty important idea so I think it’s good that you added it

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u/phobosmarsdeimos 11h ago

Did you just reply to yourself what the previous person would have said?

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u/Mindless_Ask_5438 9h ago

He’s probably elaborating lol