1.

print.matrix <- function(mt)
{
   print('top 5 rows/cols')
   nr <- min(5,nrow(mt))
   nc <- min(5,ncol(mt))
   for (i in 1:nr) {
      print(mt[i,1:nc])
   }
}

2.

ksmalls <- function(mt,k)
{
   appftn <- function(row) {
      sort(row)[k]
   }
   apply(mt,1,appftn)
}