Question

Write the integer values of red, green, and blue for the following RGB colors: a. white b. black c. highest intensity blue d. medium gray

Short answer

a. (255, 255, 255), b. (0, 0, 0), c. (0, 0, 255), d. (128, 128, 128)

Step-by-step solution

Understand the RGB Color Model

The RGB color model uses three integers (red, green, and blue) ranging from 0 to 255 to represent colors. Each color is a combination of these three primary colors.

Determine RGB values for white

White is represented by the combination where all three primary colors (red, green, and blue) are at their highest value (255). Thus, the RGB values for white are: Red = 255, Green = 255, Blue = 255.

Determine RGB values for black

Black is represented by the combination where all three primary colors are at their lowest value (0). Thus, the RGB values for black are: Red = 0, Green = 0, Blue = 0.

Determine RGB values for highest intensity blue

The highest intensity blue is achieved when the blue value is at its highest (255) and the red and green values are at their lowest (0). Thus, the RGB values for highest intensity blue are: Red = 0, Green = 0, Blue = 255.

Determine RGB values for medium gray

Medium gray is achieved when all three primary colors are at the same mid-range value. This is typically at 128, which is the midpoint between 0 and 255. Thus, the RGB values for medium gray are: Red = 128, Green = 128, Blue = 128.

Key concepts

Color Representation

In digital graphics and many forms of digital media, colors are often represented using the **RGB** color model. The RGB model breaks down colors into three primary colors: **red**, **green**, and **blue**. Each color is represented by an **integer value** ranging from **0** to **255**.

By combining these three values in various ways, you can create a wide array of colors. For example, a color represented by the values (255, 0, 0) is pure red, while (0, 255, 0) is pure green.

**Understanding RGB values is crucial** for anyone working with digital images or computer graphics. It enables you to precisely define and manipulate colors, ensuring that your digital creations look exactly the way you want them to.

Integer Values

The RGB model uses integer values ranging from **0** to **255** for each of the primary colors (red, green, and blue). This range is significant because it allows for **256 different variations** for each color.

Here's why:

• The value **0** means the color is not present at all.
• The value **255** indicates the color is at its maximum intensity.

In between, there are 254 other possible values, allowing for a fine-grained representation of different shades.

When all three color values are set to 0 (0, 0, 0), you get black. When they are all set to 255 (255, 255, 255), you get white. For colors like medium gray, the values are set to an intermediate value like 128 (128, 128, 128), giving a balanced, mid-tone gray.

Primary Colors

The primary colors in the RGB color model are **red**, **green**, and **blue**. These colors are called primary because they can be mixed together in different intensities to create any other color.

Here's a deeper look:

• **Red**: Represented by (255, 0, 0) when at its highest intensity.
• **Green**: Represented by (0, 255, 0) at its highest intensity.
• **Blue**: Represented by (0, 0, 255) at its highest intensity.

Mixing these colors in various ways creates different colors. For instance:

• **Cyan**: Formed by mixing green and blue at full intensity (0, 255, 255).
• **Magenta**: Formed by mixing red and blue at full intensity (255, 0, 255).
• **Yellow**: Created by mixing red and green at full intensity (255, 255, 0).

By adjusting the intensity of these primary colors, you can fine-tune the hue, saturation, and brightness, enabling a vast palette of colors for digital design and editing.