Why Is N Considered a Constant in Summation Notation?

[CookieSalesman]

If there is a sum:
i=1, and ends at N

Why, if there is an N, is it considered as a constant.
As opposed to an i inside of a summnation.

I would understand that if for example, there were a Z, Q,E, or W, it's a non-variable.
But N, that's ON top of the sum!
Wouldn't it.. like turn into soemthing? Can anyone explain thoroughly?

 

[Stephen Tashi]

Whether a symbol is a constant depends on the full context surrounding it's use. In the majority of typical textbook problems and discussions the N in an expression like \sum_{i=1}^N a_i represents a constant. But there is no absolute rule that N must be used that way. For example, a person could say "Consider the function F(N) = \sum_{i=1}^N (2i^2 + 6)", using N as a variable.