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In this case THE FASTEST METHOD is THIS:
This parabola (quadratic polynomial) has the roots x= -8 and x= 1 (where y is equal to zero).
Hence, the quadratic polynomial has the form p(x) = a*(x-(-8))*(x-1) = a(x+8)*(x-1) with the unknown coefficient "a".
To determine the value of "a", use the condition/(the fact from the condition) that
p(2) = -20 = a(2+8)*(2-1) = a*10*1 = 10*a.
It gives you a = = -2.
and finally your polynomial has the form
p(x) = -2*(x+8)*(x-1).
You can transform it further to any form you wish.
Under this approach, you do not need solve any systems of equations.
If your friend uses this method, he is on the right track.