A rectangle was drawn using a ruler, such that
xo+b6kow):.* 3iysnht- nnpt-ivp;)bx ge:x each measurement has an uncertain
bpy;x x+3 othiwb*k6v:):pego n-i.s) txnn-ty of $0.5 \mathrm{~cm} .$

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.)