Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2009 / ib / Paper 1 / 1G / 1 / Solution

Let $r=\dim \mathrm{im}T$. Since the kernel of a linear map and its image agree, the rank-nullity theorem gives $\dim V=r+r$. Thus $\dim V=2r$ is even. Every $Tv$ lies in $\ker T$, so $T^2=0$. The minimal polynomial therefore divides $X^2$. It cannot be $1$, and it cannot be $X$ since $T\ne 0$; hence the minimal polynomial is $X^2$.