A rectangle was drawn using a ruler, such that each me
;x t fh, t(gk0q*g:e,,pk qmrz sp;af,asurement has an uncertaint
xhtr;,,f,k matq 0s:, fk p gpe*;(zqgy 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.)