Just to clarify, once more, since we're cross posting.

The integer 8-bit value 255 means 1. The integer 8-bit value 128 means 128/255. The integer 8-bit value 188 means 188/255.

Use the unit-range representation for learning the math. Do not try to do a lot of math with the 8-bit integer representation. You will only confuse.

For example, when we finally talk about gamma correction, we're going to be using exponentiation and it only works directly on the unit-range representation. Furthermore, the unit-range is the only one used in nodes. Period.

There is also the 16-bit TIFF integer representation, where the maximum value is 65535. We will gain nothing from thinking in 16-bit either.

Think 0 to 1 and everything in between with no specific jumps. In color math, any value is possible, including an increment that is far smaller than 1/255.

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Renderosity forum reply notifications are wonky. If I read a follow-up in a thread, but I don't myself reply, then notifications no longer happen AT ALL on that thread. So if I seem to be ignoring a question, that's why. (Updated September 23, 2019)