Final answer:
The parameter -17 represents the initial distance Jamie is from work before starting to drive.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding the parameter -17 is: The parameter -17 represents the initial distance Jamie is from work before starting to drive.
The parameter in the equation represents the initial value or starting point. In this case, -17 signifies the distance Jamie is from work before they start driving. As the driving time increases, the distance from work would change but the initial distance remains -17.