The elongation (or strain) is given as 10%, which means the final area is 90% of the original area (because 10% elongation corresponds to 10% reduction in cross-sectional area). Let \( A_0 \) be the initial area and \( A_f \) be the final area. We have:
\[
A_f = A_0 \times (1 - {strain})
\]
Substituting the values:
\[
20 = A_0 \times (1 - 0.10)
\]
\[
20 = A_0 \times 0.90
\]
Solving for \( A_0 \):
\[
A_0 = \frac{20}{0.90} = 22.22 \, {mm}^2
\]
Thus, the initial cross-sectional area of the gage section is 22 mm\(^2\).
Answer: 22 mm\(^2\).