解:如图:平行四边形ABCD中,AB=CD=20,AC=BC=16,AE⊥CD,且AE=8.过D点作DF⊥AC于F,则DF就是所求的两短边的距离.直角三角形ACE中,sinC=AE:AC=8:16=1:2,直角三角形CFD中,DF=CD?sinC=20× 1 2 =10.故选B.