In the example below, you can tell that 14 is greater than 8 because 14 is to the right of 8 on the number line. The important thing to remember about these symbols is that the small end points toward...In the example below, you can tell that 14 is greater than 8 because 14 is to the right of 8 on the number line. The important thing to remember about these symbols is that the small end points towards the lesser number, and the larger (open) end is always on the side of the greater number. 230 is greater than 198, and the symbol is pointing in the wrong direction, with the open part facing the lesser number.