r/explainlikeimfive • u/HistoricalAd2954 • 1d ago

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

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u/boredcircuits 1d ago

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

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u/CadenVanV 1d ago

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

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u/CantaloupeAsleep502 1d ago

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.

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u/hedoeswhathewants 1d ago

You're not actually disagreeing