Step 1: Identify the given equation of the parabola and the point it passes through. The equation of the parabola is $ص^2 = 2س$ (which is $y^2 = 2mx$ in English notation). The parabola passes through the point $(-2, 4)$, meaning $س = -2$ and $ص = 4$. Step 2: Substitute the coordinates of the point into the parabola equation. Substitute $y = 4$ and $x = -2$ into $y^2 = 2mx$: $$(4)^2 = 2m(-2)$$ Step 3: Simplify the equation. $$16 = -4m$$ Step 4: Solve for $m$. Divide both sides by $-4$: $$m = \frac{16}{-4}$$ $$m = -4$$ The value of $m$ is $-4$. Comparing this with the given options: 1: $-2$ 2: $2$ 3: $4$ 4: $-4$ The correct option is 4. The final answer is $\boxed{-4}$.