Bright orange must be slightly muted without turning brown. Which option is appropriate?

Correct answer: Add a tiny amount of blue

The governing concept is complementary colour control. Blue is opposite orange on the colour wheel, so a very small amount of blue can reduce orange’s saturation and make it quieter. Option A is correct because the amount is deliberately tiny. Equal blue would neutralise the orange too strongly and may create a muddy brown, while black darkens it and white lightens it without properly muting its hue.