1. **State the problem:** We have a right triangle PQR with a right angle at P. 2. **Given:** Side PR = 52 cm, side PQ = 57.6 cm. 3. **Formula for area of a right triangle:** $$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times \text{base} \times \text{height}$$ 4. Since PR and PQ meet at the right angle, we can take PR as base and PQ as height. 5. Substitute the values: $$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times 52 \times 57.6$$ 6. Calculate the product: $$52 \times 57.6 = 2995.2$$ 7. Now calculate the area: $$\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \times 2995.2 = 1497.6$$ 8. **Final answer:** $$\boxed{1497.6 \text{ cm}^2}$$