In the check writing form, there are 2 different boxes for the "Total". They accept different values. The first one is near the top and is filled in manually. The second one is at the bottom of the item list and is filled in automatically with the payment column total.

I understand the second total. It's the amount you write on the check and actually gets withdrawn and paid to the supplier.

What is the meaning of the first total? How can there be and arbitrary total for a check unrelated to the amount of the check itself?