a=6
1) Given that we have M (-2, a), N(0, -2), and the gradient -4. Let's start by applying the formula for the gradient.
G = (y_2 - y_1 ) / (x_2- x_1)
2) So "a", the second coordinate of point M is equal to 6, and as the gradient is a negative number indicates a "downhill" a decreasing direction of that line.