Past exam of the algebra course of the University of Oxford / 2010 / A / 1 / b / i / Solution

The first block is the companion matrix of $t-3$. The last block is the companion matrix of $f(t)=t^3-3t^2+9t-27=(t-3)(t^2+9)$. Since $t-3$ divides $f$, these are the ordered invariant factors of a linear operator. ThusThe minimal polynomial is the largest invariant factor, and the characteristic polynomial is their product.