"Suppose that T : V -> V is a linear transformation of vector spaces over
R whose minimal polynomial has no multiple roots. Show that V can be
expressed as a direct sum

V = V1 + V2 + · · · + Vt

of T-stable subspaces of dimensions at most 2. Show that, relative to a suitable basis, T can be represented by an n × n matrix with at most 2n non-zero entries, where n := dim(V)."

If only there was a way to represent the complex roots of the minimal polynomial with 2x2 matrices all call the whole 2x2 matrix an "eigenvalue". If not, I don't know what to do.