The mathematical sign for sum of is represented by the symbol “∑“. It is known as Sigma, Greek letter. It is used in mathematics to indicate the summation of a series of numbers or terms.

The origin

Originating from the Greek alphabet, Sigma finds its roots in the letter “∑” (uppercase) or “σ” (lowercase). It symbolizes the concept of summation or adding things together, expressing the idea of combining individual elements into a total sum.

Sigma symbol shows of with a rich history. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient Greek mathematicians, including masters such as Euclid and Archimedes. These mathematical pioneers laid the groundwork for the development of Sigma as a symbol of summation.

And even though neither Euclid nor Archimedes directly used the Sigma symbol, their work provided the conceptual framework. The first documented use of the Sigma symbol (∑) as a summation symbol is attributed to the Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler in the 18th century. Euler introduced the Sigma symbol in his influential work “Introductio in analysin infinitorum” (Introduction to the Analysis of the Infinite), published in 1748.

In this work, Euler employed the Sigma symbol to represent summation, providing a concise and elegant notation for expressing the total sum of a series of terms. Euler’s innovative use of the Sigma symbol revolutionized mathematical notation and also made it easier for mathematicians to express and manipulate summations in their calculations and proofs.

Function

The Sigma symbol is like a shortcut in math. Instead of writing out all the numbers you want to add up one by one, you just use the Sigma symbol. It helps you quickly show the total sum of a bunch of numbers without having to write them all out. So, it’s acts like a time-saver! As all symbols do.

Use

People mostly use the Sigma symbol in math and statistics. They also use it in different areas of math like calculus, algebra, and a fancy-sounding one called discrete mathematics. So, wherever there’s lots of adding up to do, you’ll probably see the Sigma symbol in action.

Sigma is one of the most recognizable and widely used mathematical symbols globally.

The lower and upper limits of the summation are often represented below and above the Sigma symbol.