A rectangle was drawn using a ruler, such that each me
e7jx yvso9 wa3le3 0u/asurement has an uncertainty of
7usee 3wlx/3ov yja 09 $0.5 \mathrm{~cm} .$

What is the absolute uncertainty in the area of the entire rectangle (i.e. combined small and big rectangles), in $\mathrm{cm}^2$ ?
$cm^2$ (Do not write units with the answer. Give your answer to 2 significant figures.)