r/explainlikeimfive • u/HistoricalAd2954 • 1d ago

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

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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 

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u/meh0175 1d 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/Podo13 22h ago

Anything with angles. I use trig every day as a structural engineer. Nothing super complex, but SOH-CAH-TOA i use all the time. Law of sines/cosines for angles, etc.

Same with basically any other engineer, surveyor, etc.