From Inequality to Picture

A solved inequality and its number line picture show the same information. To draw the solutions of $2x-1 > 5$, solve it first. Add 1 to both sides, then divide by 2, to get $x > 3$. The picture is an open dot at 3 with shading to the right.

2x - 1 > 5, that is x > 3

Drawing the solutions of an unsolved inequality takes two steps. First solve it, then draw the answer. You cannot read the picture from the original inequality. The endpoint comes from solving. In the example, the endpoint is 3, and no 3 appears in $2x-1 > 5$.