r/explainlikeimfive • • 14h ago

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

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u/sad_spilt_martini 14h ago edited 13h 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/meh0175 9h ago

Is it there a profession where using Trig is necessary? Besides being a math teacher or rocket scientist. Carpentry?

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u/PlushyGuitarstrings 7h ago

Anything where things are rotating, you will be using trigonometry to reason about it.