If \(a=-4\), what type of statement does \((a+4)x^2+(a^2-16)x+13=0\) become?

Contradictory statement

Substituting \(a=-4\) gives \(a+4=0\) and \(a^2-16=0\), so the equation reduces to \(0\cdot x^2+0\cdot x+13=0\), i.e. \(13=0\). This is impossible, so the statement is contradictory. Option B is wrong because the quadratic term vanishes, C is wrong because the linear term also vanishes, and D is wrong because the equality is not true for any x. Exam tip: when a parameter is given, first check whether coefficients of highest-degree terms become zero — that indicates a degenerate (constant) equation leading to either contradiction or identity.

This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Quadratic Equations. Topic: Introduction to Quadratic Equations.