Deleting is not the same as assigning zero to the value of that element. Use empty brackets to delete an element from a vector or a row/column from a matrix. To append vectors to a matrix you need to make sure the dimensions work out so that all rows have the same number of elements.

If it is not the next consecutive position, MATLAB pads the elements in between with zeros. To append an element to a vector just specify a value at the desired position. M(,) addresses the intersection of rows a and b and columns c through d and e. For example v() addresses elements a, b, and c through d. Use a square bracket to address nonconsecutive elements in a vector or matrix. M(:,a) addresses column a, M(a,:) addresses row a, M(:,a:b) addresses columns a through b, M(a:b,:) addresses rows a through b, M(a:b,c:d) addresses the intersection of rows a through b and columns c through d. For example, v(:) addresses all the elements of a vector, v(a:b) addresses elements a through b in vector v. Use the colon operator to address a range of elements in a vector or matrix. It's just like playing Battleship except both the columns and rows are designated by numbers.

Then I ask it for the element in the second row and third column. In the example below I make a 3x3 matrix M. M(1,1) addresses the element in the top left corner of the matrix M. For example, v(1) addresses the first element in a vector v. You can also use that technique to address a specific spot in a matrix. We've already practiced using parentheses to address a certain element of a vector.

Matlab vector into matrix