Algebra vs Trigonometry – Difference and Comparison

What is Algebra?

Algebra is the one that deals in equations dealing in variables, i.e., any alphabetical character can be a variable in algebra while solving the equation. Algebra is similar to arithmetic, where arithmetic deals in an equation with a set of rules but is not complex and happens to be simple. Algebra deals mostly with multiplication other than addition, division, and subtraction. The most common denotation of a variable in algebra is “x,” which can be any number concerning the equation.

Algebra follows some valid set of rules while solving an equation. The only limitation of using a variable in an equation is that the same symbol or letter can only be used differently. In contrast, it cannot be used in the same equation because the values may differ, and the equation will not be complete.

There are three main types of the algebraic equation:

  1. Linear Equation
  2. Quadratic Equation     
  3. Cubic Equation

An equation is a set of numbers and symbols from both sides with an equal sign between them. Algebra solves this equation with variables, co-efficient, and constants.

Algebra helps calculate the slope of a roof, the time one would need to get to a new destination, time taken for a ball to fly through the air, predict population growth, etc.

What is Trigonometry?

There are six elements of a point utilized in geometry. Their names and shortened forms are sine (sin), cosine (cos), digression (tan), cotangent (bunk), secant (sec), and cosecant (CSC). These six mathematical capacities correspond to a right-angled triangle. The measurement of these angles with the height of sides is done through trigonometry.

Trigonometry has formulas through which we can deal with a right-angled triangle where the length of the base can be acquired and we can find the hypotenuse or the angle of an alternation. 

Geometry was created from a need to process points and distances in such fields as stargazing, mapmaking, looking over, and big guns range finding. Issues including points and lengths in a single plane are shrouded in plane geometry. Applications to similar problems in more than one plane of three-layered space are considered in a circular geometry. Trigonometry is a member of the geometry family that helps measure right-angled triangles.

Trigonometry helped in many ways before the computer world came, and measuring angles is easier than ever. The architecture and infrastructure in the contemporary world happened only for trigonometric formulas and applications.

Difference Between Algebra and Trigonometry

  1. While solving an equation through algebra, we deal with rules followed by variables and constants. The equations are complex, whereas Trigonometry with a set of rules and formulas deals with a right-angled triangle. 
  2. Algebra uses variables that can be any alphabetical letter while solving an equation. In contrast, in Trigonometry, while calculating an angle, we assume it by theta, and are known as sin, cos, tan, cosec theta, etc. 
  3. Particular attribution is given to different formulas in both topics. Algebra comes in procedures where the default operation is multiplication, but Trigonometry has formulas for every theta in calculating sides and angles.
  4. Algebra can equate an equation and plot it in a graph. By planning, we can calculate the slope of a roof, predict the growth of a population, acquire time taken by an object to travel to a particular destination, etc. Using Trigonometry, we can calculate the height of mountains and trees. 
  5. While calculating, algebra comes with mainly three types of expression. Trigonometry has sets of formulas for various situations while measuring a triangle.

Comparison Between Algebra and Trigonometry

Parameters of ComparisonAlgebraTrigonometry
Area of DealingDeals in equation, variables, and rules.Deals in a right-angled triangle.
UsageUse variables in solving the equationUse theta as the primary source in measuring angles.
Special attributionUse variables such as any alphabetical character.Use of theta known as sin, cos, tan, etc.
ApplicationDeals in calculating the slope of a roof or predicting the growth of population.Deals in calculating height of a mountain or tree etc.
TypesLinear, quadratic, polynomial, etc.An application involves functions like sine, cosine, tangent, cotangent, secant, and cosecant.