
I have to find rank of the matrix from the given characteristic polynomial. Here is my attempt.

Now how to check other possibilities of rank ?

I have to find rank of the matrix from the given characteristic polynomial. Here is my attempt.

Now how to check other possibilities of rank ?
Recall that the geometric multiplicity of an eigenvalue is less than or equal to the algebraic multiplicity. In your case, since $\beta \neq 0$, the algebraic multiplicity of the eigenvalue $0$ is $3$ and the geometric multiplicity of $0$ is given by $\dim \ker A$ so we have $1 \leq \dim \ker A \leq 3$ (or equivalently, $2 \leq \operatorname{rank} A \leq 4$). By playing with examples of block diagonal matrices, you can see that indeed all three cases are possible.
Hint: The eigenspace associated with the eigenvalue $0$ is also the kernel (AKA nullspace) of $A$. How does this relate to the rank? What are the possible dimensions of this eigenspace?