Whole numbers are positive numbers without decimals. First, list all the whole number factors of 36:
1 and 36
2 and 18
3 and 12
4 and 9
6 and 6
Next, see which one of those pairs has the highest sum:
1+36=37
2+18=20
3+12=15
4+9=13
6+6=12
The greatest possible sum the numbers can have is 37.
Hope this helps!!