What term refers to the overall sum of assets, liabilities, and capital of a firm?

The term that refers to the overall sum of assets, liabilities, and capital of a firm is the accounting equation. The accounting equation is fundamental to the field of accounting and is expressed as Assets = Liabilities + Equity. This equation illustrates that a company's total assets are financed either by borrowing (liabilities) or by the owners' contributions (equity).

In the context of the question, the 'overall sum' represents how all the resources (assets) of the firm are balanced against what it owes (liabilities) and what is contributed by the owners (equity). Thus, the accounting equation captures the essential relationship between these components of a company's financial position.

Business valuation refers specifically to the process of determining the economic value of an owner's interest in a business, rather than just the totals indicated by the accounting equation. Equity, while part of the accounting equation, specifically refers to the residual interest in the assets of the firm after deducting liabilities, which does not encompass the entire financial picture. Total net worth typically refers to the net assets of a company or individual but is not a formal term used in accounting like the accounting equation is.