NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

How do primary colors typically appear when mixed with a third primary color?

1. They fade away

2. They become darker

3. They appear tinted

4. They lose their vibrancy

The correct answer is: They appear tinted

When primary colors are mixed with a third primary color, they typically appear tinted. This process involves adding one primary color to another, which lightens or alters the overall hue without completely overpowering the original colors. Tinting occurs because the addition of a third color introduces a new wavelength of light, creating a softer or more pastel version of the original colors instead of a dramatic shift that would eliminate their vibrancy. For example, mixing red and blue (two primary colors) with yellow (the third primary color) would yield a variety of shades and tones that incorporate elements of all three, resulting in a range that could include pastel versions. This highlights how mixing primary colors can change their appearance, creating tinted variations rather than diminishing their effectiveness or brightness.