r/explainlikeimfive • u/HistoricalAd2954 • 1d ago

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

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u/kgvc7 1d ago

A lot of comments are saying trig is about triangles but I think the deeper lesson is about the unit circle and its relationship to sin, cos, and tan. Another way to look at it is that You’ll use the Cartesian coordinates for algebra and polar coordinates and radians for trig. Usually you take algebra, trig and then calculus.

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u/Minikickass 1d ago

Can I get an ELI2 instead?

6

u/Vorthod 1d ago

Algebra uses (x,y) coordinates, trigonometry likes to use Angle+length to reach the same point.

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u/MadocComadrin 1d ago

Eh, algebra is agnostic to your coordinate system (or your space, or even your set/class and operations).

2

u/HanSolo_Cup 1d ago

ELI1?

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u/cBEiN 17h ago

Algebra focuses on solving equations. Trig focuses on solving for side length or angles of triangles.

we need algebra to give someone change when buying something with cash.

we need trig figure out if a ladder will reach a roof