A rectangle was drawn using a ruler, such that each
wo p/np) b4nrhu;4+fa d3 +nth measurement has an uncertain
npnt)h3u 4d+honar/4 pf+ ;w bty 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.)