Similar to the case when "K" is the complex numbers, knowing the dimensions of the kernels of ("M" − λ"I")"k" for 1 ≤ "k" ≤ "m", where "m" is the algebraic multiplicity of the eigenvalue λ, allows one to determine the Jordan form of "M". We may view the underlying vector space "V" as a "K"["x"]-module by regarding the action of "x" on "V" as application of "M" and extending by "K"-linearity. Then the polynomials ("x" − λ)"k" are the elementary divisors of "M", and the Jordan normal form is concerned with representing "M" in terms of blocks associated to the elementary divisors.