A matrix is a two-dimensional data structure in R, which means that every matrix element can be characterized by its position among rows and columns. Matrices in R can contain data of only one type, i.e., a matrix can not contain numbers and text simultaneously.

There are several ways to create a matrix in R. On one side, you can 'merge' two rows; on the other, you can 'merge' two columns. Let's consider each method separately. The first one is the rbind() function. Function name comes from Rows Bind - this function connects vectors as rows.

As you can see, this matrix has two rows and three columns (since each row has three values). Another way - is to use cbind() function. Likewise, the previous function, name of this function comes from Columns Bind. Let's look at the example.

As you can see, this matrix has two columns and three rows (since each column has three values).