Q:

bash, numeric prefix for emacs bindings? 

Is it possible to use emacs bindings in bash shell with numeric arguments, for example in emacs C-u 5 C-d deletes five characters.  Is there an equivalent way of doing the same in bash prompt? 
Thanks

A:

Emacs is usually the default editing mode (set -o emacs). 
From Introduction to Line Editing and Readine Arguments:
The text C-k is read as 'Control-K' and describes the character produced when the Control key is depressed and the k key is struck.  
The text M-k is read as 'Meta-K' and describes the character produced when the meta key (if you have one) is depressed, and the k key is struck.  If you do not have a meta key, the identical keystroke can be generated by typing ESC first, and then typing k. Either process is known as metafying the k key.  
The general way to pass numeric arguments to a command is to type meta digits before the command.   For example, to give the C-d command an argument of 10, you could type M-1 0 C-d.
Bash Emacs Editing Mode (readline) Cheat Sheet 

