Answer:
12 in.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. area can be calculated as A=s1*s2, where s1 and s2 are the largest and shortest sides.
2. according to the formula before A=(20-x)(x-5). But according to the condition A=36, then (20-x)(x-5)=36;
3. if to solve this quadratic equation, then
-x²+25x-136=0;
[tex]\left[\begin{array}{ccc}x=17\\x=8\end{array}[/tex]
4. if x=3;12, then the sides are 12 and 3 and
5. finally, the largest side s1=12 inches.
