A rectangle was drawn using a ruler, such that each
289 x,() mvxwil(ftqmmbt7xi measurement has an uncertainty
8i xm 7iqw9(t)v m xm2(,lxfbt 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.)