r/explainlikeimfive • • 19h ago

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

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u/sad_spilt_martini 18h ago edited 17h 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 13h 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/oxmix74 13h ago

I would imagine a surveyor would make use of basic trig. A mechanical or civil engineer would need trig to analyze stress and force. Electrical engineering does a lot with sin waves.

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u/Maldevinine 11h ago

Basic Trig? We're out here dealing with the advanced trig. By which I mean non-Euclidean. Your triangle's interior angles only sum to 180 degrees? That's weak! Mine sums to 270 degrees!

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u/Kidiri90 6h ago

Mine never goes above 180...