Start with the statistic
A total may concern combined points, goals, a team statistic, or a period-specific count. The word total is not enough to establish the underlying question.
Compare against the line
If the hypothetical combined score is 45, over 44.5 is above the line and under 44.5 is below the required threshold. At a whole-number 45 line, the exact match invokes the applicable push rules.
Ask what the clock includes
Regulation, overtime, shortened games, and postponed events may receive different treatment. Read the sport and market exception rather than applying a generic rule to every total.
Keep examples in perspective
Practice arithmetic helps decode the interface. It does not establish the chance of a real outcome or imply that a high-scoring first period guarantees a full-game total.