[Math] What does the Greek “E”-like symbol mean

notation

I have a simple question: what does the following mean?

$$\displaystyle\sum_{k=0}^n$$

Best Answer

This symbol is a Greek letter called (capital) sigma. It's used to denote sums. The definition is

$$ \sum_{i=1}^n a_i = a_1+\cdots+a_n. $$

For example: $$ \sum_{i=1}^6 1 = \underbrace{1+\cdots+1}_{\text{6 times}} = 6 $$

or $$ \sum_{i=1}^4 i = 1 + 2 +3+4 = 10. $$