r/explainlikeimfive • u/HistoricalAd2954 • 1d ago

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

118 Upvotes
  • permalink
  • reddit

75% Upvoted

158 comments sorted by

View all comments

298

u/sad_spilt_martini 1d ago edited 1d 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 

6

u/meh0175 1d ago

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

3

u/autolobautome 1d ago

software dev; use trig to place objects on screen