Graphing on a number line ,the circle is open only when it is greater than or less than. The circle is closed only when it is greater than or equal to |or| less than or equal to. You know which way the arrow goes as long you put the right symbol it tells you if its less than < the sign goes left if its greater than > it goes to the right. Greater than or equal to >_ goes right less than or equal to <_ goes to the left.