A rectangle was drawn using a ruler, such that each measurement h
+t-j xt9aa gj ,y..bn9jo -vnkas an uncertain
9g ot9nv ab.j-,jyjkn-.a +xtty 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.)